BENEFITS OF NEUTERING YOUR MALE DOG

    Neutering your male dog is the surgical removal of the testicles.  Neutering your male dog will help prevent many annoying behavioral problems and reduce his risk of many medical problems as well.  The following is a brief list of the likely benefits of neutering your dog:

• Reduces annoying sexual behavior such as lifting his leg to "mark" his territory both outdoors and in the house, and mounting legs and furniture.
• Eliminates roaming in search of females.  This urge to mate leads to your dog running loose and he may fight with other males, be injured, killed by automobiles, or get lost.  If confined, he may become hyperactive, aggressive, or vicious.  Neuterd pets are free of this urge to search for females and the unwanted behavior associated with this urge.  Neutering usually makes a calmer and more content pet, who prefers to stay home.  Also, neutered pets usually get along much better with other pets in your household.
• Prostate infection and benign prostatic hypertrophy are less common.  Testicle cancer is also eliminated.
• Reduces the chance of your dog later biting or being aggressive towards other dogs and humans.
• Less roaming and sniffing behavior means less external and internal parasite infestations.
• Neutered pets have twice the average life expectancy of unneutered pets.

    Neutering will not change your pet's personality, except to make him a calmer, more devoted pet.  The surgery will not cause him to become fat and lazy.  Any older, less active pet may experience weight gain, which can be controlled by proper diet and exercise.

    Unless you are convinced that you will want to show or breed your dog, we recommend that you have your dog netuered.  Male dogs can be neutered as early as 12 weeks of age.  It is a good idea to see one of our veterinarians for a free presurgical examination prior to your dog's surgery date.  This gives us a chance to examine your dog and talk to you about optional recommended procedures, such as preanesthetic blood work and laser surgery.  Feel free to call us if you have any questions regarding this important procedure.