TWELVE FACTS

• Your male dog will be less inclined to exert his dominance over you and will be less predisposed to mount other dogs or people.
• The dog becomes more affectionate with the owners, children and other pets.
• He will be less aggressive towards other dogs.
• Less likely to wander in search of bitches in heat.
• Will exhibit less urine marking in the house and outside
• His concentration for training will increase and so will his attention towards you.
• Playfulness, friendliness, and socialization with humans are not changed.
• Activity level and appetite do not change with neutering.  A male dog should not gain weight or become less interested in activity post neuter.
• Has no effect on the dog's alertness or natural protective instincts (in guard dogs).
• Reduces hyperactivity and the dog becomes more relaxed in its home environment.
• No testical tumours.
• Minimises the likelihood of prostate problems.

WHAT IS NEUTERING/CASTRATION?

Now that you are aware of the benefits, I’m sure you would like to know the medical procedure of neutering your pet. The traditional age for neutering is around 6 months of age and many veterinarians still recommend neutering at this age. The male dog reaches sexual maturity when it is about six months old. By this time, both testicles have usually descended, and thus the surgery becomes more straightforward.

The Procedure: Your dog will be placed under general anaesthesia, and also be given sedatives, so that he is deeply asleep and will feel nothing. The skin prepared and the surgeon removes the testicles with sterile instruments. The incision is closed with either non-absorbable or absorbable sutures.

Your dog will be discharged as soon as he is out of anesthesia and your doctor has checking him. After the surgery, the scrotum is often swollen for a few days. Sometimes the incision is mildly bruised but this is not unduly sore for the dog and pain relief is almost never necessary post neuter. Most male dogs are eager to play by the day after surgery but, to keep the incision intact, it is best to restrict the dog from jumping or exercise vigorously until the stitches are removed or till your veterinarian gives a clean chit. There definitely should be no games or forced exercise for the first week. In case non-dissolvable stitches are used, you should try to keep your dog from licking or chewing on the stitches. The stitches will be removed after 10 to 12 days of the surgery.