How can I convince my husband that neutering our dog is a GOOD idea?!?

Question

I really want to get our male dog fixed, but husband feels "offended" by this because the dog will lose his "manhood".

He believes that the puppies that result from a doggie affair are someone else problem (thus the reason we got a male dog).

PLEASE HELP!

I need some convincing arguements on the benefit of giving my dog the "Bob Barker" treatment.

Opinions from Veternarians appreciated!

Answer 1

Just tell him that someone is getting neutered. Either him or the dog.

Answer 2

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS TO THE DOG?

There are several health benefits to neutering. One of the most important concerns the prostate gland, which under the influence of testosterone will gradually enlarge over the course of the dog's life. In age, it is likely to become uncomfortable, possibly being large enough to interfere w/defecation. The prostate under the influence of testosterone is also predisposed to infection which is almost impossible to clear up without neutering. Neutering causes the prostate to shrink into insignificance thus preventing both prostatitis as well as the uncomfortable benign hyperplasia (enlargement) that occurs with aging. It is often erroneously held that neutering prevents prostate cancer but this is not true.

Other health benefits of neutering include the prevention of certain types of hernias and tumors of the testicles and anus. Excessive preputial discharge is also reduced by neutering.

WHAT BEHAVIORAL CHANGES CAN BE EXPECTED AFTER NEUTER?

The only behavior changes that are observed after neutering relate to behaviors influenced by male hormones. Playfulness, friendliness, and socialization with humans are not changed. The behaviors that change are far less desirable. The interest in roaming is eliminated in 90 percent of neutered dogs. Aggressive behavior against other male dogs is eliminated in 60 percent of neutered dogs. Urine marking is eliminated in 50 percent of neutered male dogs. Inappropriate mounting is eliminated in 70 percent of neutered dogs.

WHAT EXACTLY IS DONE SURGICALLY?

An incision is made generally just forward from the scrotum. The testicles are removed through this incision. The stalks are tied off and cut. Castration is achieved. If the testicles are not removed, the desirable benefits listed above cannot be achieved. The skin incision may or may not have stitches.

Answer 3

I went through the same thing with my boyfriend. In our case I put my foot down and said it had to be done. But to back you up: Getting a dog neutered prevents potential puppies from occurring if the dog should get out. Most dog owners will require you to help pay the bills for said puppies. Also as dogs age, like humans, their genital organs can start to develop illnesses and cancer. As dogs age bladder and kidney infections are especially common. Which is very costly to take care of and can require surgery. Neutering helps to minimize the occurrence of these problems. Finally, they are simply removing the dogs testicles, nothing else. If your dog is young, ideally less than a year, there will be no residual effects or changes. Recovery takes a few days. And if the dog is young it will lessen the aggressive behaviors that develop at about eight months and make training easier. I hope that is enough and helpful. Good luck.

Answer 4

Neutering is a socially responsible act that your hubby should take seriously. If he beleives that because it is the female dogs owners that end up with the problem and he shouldnt need to worry about it then he is just being irresponsible and should not have got a dog at all!

It wont change the dog's 'manhood' - it will make your dog easier to train, better around kids, more reliable to not attack your family or a stranger, and easier overall to manage. He wont stray and will be less likely to spray/mark all over the house.

When done young the dog wouldn't know any different - just do it before the man-dog responses are too deep rooted.

Answer 5

Take your husband on a field trip to one of the more crowded local animal shelters and let them show him exactly what happens to all those products of "doggie affairs" that he doesn't think will be his responsibility if your dog produces them. It might also help him to know that neutering will help your dog to be a little less territorial so he won't be lifting his leg on your leather couch when he reaches adulthood. It will also help to keep him from becoming aggressive if a female dog (who's owners have also been irresponsible) goes into heat in your neighborhood. A male dog can smell a female in heat from a mile away.

Answer 6

Having your dog neutered is really best for the dogs health. It can help prevent cancer and other illnesses. Besides that dogs don't feel "manhood" and your husband is just being selfish. There are so many unwanted pets in the world why chance your dog getting into trouble and bringing in even more.

Answer 7

Although neutering is most common there are other ways to prevent a male dog from fathering puppies. You can actually have a vasectomy done (its used alot in zoos on the male wolves, as it will prevent them from fathering pups but won't alter their maleness). There is also an injection that can be given directly into the scrotum that will cause the testes to shrivel up. If you want either of these done you may have to do a bit of research to fing a veterinarian who will do them, but its an option if you absolutely can not convince your husband that its a good idea to neuter your doggy.

Answer 8

Aside from the major health advantages, of being assured of a 50% average longer lifespan, your husband needs to know that dogs take no pride in their family jewels..he will only notice that the spot is sore for a few days..nothing else...
Remind him that ALL K-9 cops are altered! Who would ever call them sissies? As are all guide dogs, and certified assistance dogs.
bomb sniffers, drug busters, etc..
the dog has a much better focus for training once they have been neutered..

as for health issues, they aren't as likely to escape and get hit by a car, or battle other males for a female in heat..they can't get testicular cancer, and the risk is reduced for many other cancers that are fed by testosterone.

Answer 9

Maybe if you let know that there are healthy benefits to neurtering:

Dogs are much happier when their hormones are not raging.

A neuteured dog will not be as inclined to wander the streets seeking out a female and risking getting hit by a car, bus; or being mistreated by a stranger out in the streets.

Eliminates the risk of penile tumors.

Also, makes for a calmer dog that you can enjoy even more.

Hope this helps.

Answer 10

If he thinks it's the female dog owners problem then take him to a local pound or shelter to see the dozens of dogs that will be euthanized in a week or so because someone else thought it was the female dog owner's problem.

If he likes dogs then he will understand. Spaying/neutering your dog is a service to dogkind and mankind.

Answer 11

Neutering adds years to a dog's life and prevents many types of cancers, wouldn't your husband want your dog to have the longest lifespan possible?

Neutering also curbs behavioral problems, like humping legs, aggressiveness, and leaping the fence (and possibly getting ht by a car, stolen, or turned into animal control) if he smells a female in heat.

Dogs who are not neutered will also feel the urge to mark their territory by urinating on anything and everything.