Intact dogs. What to know
 

Keeping Your Dog Intact | Whole Dog Journal

So you have made the decision not to neuter or spay. The above article does not address health benefits nor risks, and there are some proactive measures you should take.

First on to the every day living stuff.

1. Male to male aggression. Is especially likely with a female in heat that is nearby. And unless she is your female and or the other owner lets you know you simply won't know her status. And btw many males that are intact
Can tell when a female is close to coming into heat.

However baring that my experience is that neutered males respond unfavourably to intact males. That means your male is more likely to be attacked than attack.

Aggression is not always about dominance some dogs are fear aggressive. You know the best defence is a good offence....

2. You absolutely must train your dog , a good recall, stop, and not to hump nor mark(in house)

3. Never allow your dog to run free. Use controlled spaces for free run. I know if you live in the country it is tempting, but remember how males will travel long distances to visit female dogs. My friend was very lucky she lost her very valuable male for four days and was very lucky to get him back healthy. Btw she would never know if he bred some gal or gals!! And accident or not you are equally responsible for a litter that may ensue.

4. What my breeder calls medical toucH and visual inspection. The whole posterior should be checked monthly. Testes penis anus etc. Bumps irregularities see your vet pronto. You need to know how your dog feels normally so you can catch at the earliest deviations. This DOES NOT exclude regular vet check ups. Any difficult n urination or sudden loss of housebreaking skill requires a vet checkup.

On to females

1. Please record their heat cycles. This is beneficial as you will know roughly when next heat is and if your female is on a 6 7 8month or more cycle. Then start to observe her as her heat nears, begin to know her behavioural changes.

2. All medical etc as often and similar to the males.

3. Discharge from vagina other than during heat is a cause for concern. Excessive licking grooming there other than in heat ditto the concern. A vet visit is usually called for.


The subject of good vet care. Many vets have very limited experience with intact dogs and you might have to search hard for one and or travel longer distances to get a qualified vet.

And unfair or not it is more onto the female owner to protect her. After all you are the one likely to have to deal with any litter.