Sterilization and castration are procedures aimed at rendering animals of a given species infertile. These procedures are most commonly performed on dogs and cats. Like everything, they have pros and cons. For owners who are unsure whether it is worth it, below I have gathered some arguments for and against these procedures.
Advantages of castration and sterilization
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It is often said that sterilization or castration are “preventive procedures.” This is true. Both procedures can protect our pets from life-threatening diseases. In female dogs, such a disease is pyometra. This condition is a direct threat to the animal’s life. Another serious condition is mammary gland cancer – if sterilization is performed before the first heat, the risk of developing mammary gland tumors drops to very low percentages. A sterilized female dog will also not have problems with ovarian or uterine tumors because these organs are removed. As for males, uncastrated dogs often develop testicular cancer or prostate enlargement. It is worth adding that the treatment of choice for prostate enlargement in dogs is castration.
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Solving the problem of dog homelessness. Currently, animal shelters are literally bursting at the seams. By sterilizing or castrating your pet, you contribute to reducing animal homelessness. It is also worth mentioning that the repeated statement that “a female dog should have puppies at least once in her life” is a popular myth. Pregnancy is a huge challenge both for the female dog and her caretakers. Every new puppy born takes a potential home away from other homeless animals. It is worth considering whether we are ready to face the challenge of 5-6 little balls running around the house, discovering the world with sharp teeth and unable to keep the house clean.
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Elimination of unwanted sexual behaviors. These behaviors most often occur in dogs and are usually related to excessive testosterone production. After castration, this level is reduced – after all, the organ responsible for producing this hormone is removed. Uncastrated dogs may also “mark” their territory with urine. Castration often helps in such cases. It is advisable to consider the procedure early, before undesirable behaviors become ingrained in the dog’s psyche. Castration can also be a solution for dog roaming or excessive territoriality.
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For female dogs, sterilization prevents behaviors such as “false pregnancy” – a condition where the female prepares for birth despite not being pregnant. She may be hyperactive or lethargic, may build a “nest,” or even mother objects. After sterilization, there will definitely be no problem with persistent suitors who often do everything to get onto the property of their chosen one. I have even heard of dogs climbing high fences when they sense mating pheromones. Sterilizing a female dog will certainly save us the stress related to visits from uninvited guests.
Disadvantages of castration and sterilization
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Sterilization and castration are just as serious surgical procedures as any other. They are performed under general anesthesia, which always carries some risk. Before deciding on the procedure, it is always worth discussing the anesthesia with the attending veterinarian. To minimize the risk of complications during and after surgery, blood tests should be done beforehand. In older animals or predisposed breeds, a heart ultrasound may be necessary.
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If the procedure itself goes well, complications related to the surgical wound may occur. For example, there may be a reaction to the thread used to stitch the wound. The animal may also want to “clean” the area around the wound and lick the stitches. Therefore, after the procedure, the pet should always be fitted with a collar or postoperative clothing.
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Increased tendency to obesity after the procedure. After sterilization/castration, your pet will likely need a reduced food portion or a complete diet modification. Due to hormonal changes, metabolism and energy levels decrease. If your pet was previously a “couch potato,” after the procedure it will need increased activity and longer walks.
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Post-castration urinary incontinence in females – a common problem in sterilized, older large-breed females. This condition involves relaxation of the urethral sphincter muscle. The consequences are obvious – the female dog simply cannot control urination and may urinate even inside the house. Fortunately, effective medications exist for this condition.
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Increased anxiety in more fearful animals. Unfortunately, recent studies confirm this. For dogs, there is an option of a “trial run,” which involves implanting a subcutaneous chip that pulsates hormones blocking testosterone – this allows observation of the dog’s behavior for 6 months to see if anxiety worsens during this time. The chip is biodegradable, so after 6 months its effect ends without the need for removal. There is no such option for female dogs. For more anxious animals, it is worth discussing this procedure with a veterinarian.
Talk to your veterinarian
As you can see, sterilization and castration have their pros and cons. Before making a decision about the procedure, it is worth discussing all aspects with your veterinarian – preparation for the procedure, duration, type of anesthesia, and postoperative care. Remember, the decision to undergo such a procedure should never be made hastily!
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