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Originally Posted by Gr33zyinc  My parents seem to be agreeing with the vet, that him not "using" his hormones will cause him stress? I personally don't agree with that because well, he is five years old already and has shown no signs of "stress"? More specifically,he has not at all acted different compared to when he was younger. He has great temperament, is easy going, welcoming of "most" people, very tolerant towards children, playful, loves to cuddle, goes for walks, pretty normal.
To specify on my earlier post, I read they have an increased risk of bone cancer, urinary tract and prostate cancer, malignant heart tumours, cardiac hemangiosarcoma, hyperthyroidism, and possibly reactions to other injections, as well as increase in exercise and decrease in activity/energy. (Now I'm sure this is more like when you see a medicine and they list off every possible side affect anyone can possibly get, rather than the true likelihood that any of this would actually occur.)
But imo. why neuter him now? I don't see/understand any good reason to do so. He is not aggressive towards other dogs or children, he does not go to the dog park, he is not going to be in contact with female dogs in heat. Other than testiscular cancer (which has a low rate anyways?) And BPH that you mentioned? Is there any other good reason to do so?
@gemy - If this was Your Dog, would you get it done?
As for dental, IF I can not convince my parents otherwise, then I will make sure dental is done as well. Other then that, his teeth are in pretty good shape, the vet always takes a look at them, and I always brush them every night. |
Well no with a healthy male I would not neuter him just to have him neutered. It sounds like you are a responsible owner and would not allow him to breed. There is simply for the toy breeds no compelling health reasons to neuter a male. And that comment comes from my extensive research on spay and neuter which unfortunately has very very few studies on the toy breeds.
And I agree with you that normal male behaviour includes hiking a leg to pee which disturbs me not a bit. Neither does spraying which I know for many can be hard to handle or deal with.
My opinion is an outlier on this board - but it is one that I have come to over many years. It is worthwhile to point out the females of most breeds (but not all breeds) probably should be spayed that are not breeding females for their health.
Finally in closing whether male or female dogs the owner needs to be very familiar with their dogs reproductive parts examining them monthly to notice any changes..... That means for males their testicles and penis doing the sanitary trim etc.