Why do people feel its necassary to tell others they should fix their male dog?

Question

In todays world, with all the information out there, there is not real reason to have your male dog fixed. Worried about over population, guess what, have responsibility on where your dogs goes and what it does. Cancer?? Read the link I pasted. In fact, it actually hurts your male dog to have it fixed, it is even more pronounced in large breed dogs. I have posted only one of many links that say the same thing over and over. In todays world, there really is no reason to fix your male dog other then if you dog actually gets cancer of a testicle. As the link says though, if you are a responsible dog owner and are doing regular checks of your dog, in the vary rare case of testicular cancer, you will catch it with more then enough time to have it taken care of. Should we remove the dogs eyes so it doesnt have eye problems. Should we remove one of the dogs kidneys so there is only half the chance of kidney problems? Let me know what you guys think.

http://www.showdogsupersite.com/kenlclub/breedvet/neutr.html

In addition, if you are going to post a link, please make sure it is from a certified vet or doctor. Not just a group that is going to argue for only one side no matter what.

over population is a poor excuse in my opinion. We need to go to the real reason of over population. People are buying dogs without knowing the responsibility of owning a dog. Most people dont buy a dog and just let it roam the streets to impregnate any dog it sees. Most of the dogs that are euthinized (spelled wrong, I know), every year are at the pound becuase people say, "oh look, there is a lab puppy, they are so cute and the most popular dog according to the akc, lets get it". They dont realize that labs are one of the most high energy dogs around and if they dont get the excercise from their owners, they will find another way to get their exercise. Same with all the am staffs and apbt's at the pounds. Very high energy dog that people buy as a puppy and get rid of 4 months later. Spaying dogs is obviously not the answer here, we have been spaying dogs and we still are killing more and more of them every year. We need a different answer to over population in my opinion.

Someone asked the question, "What is the reason to not fix our male dogs" There are numerous studies that show it is bad for the health of your male dog to have it fixed, exspecially before 2 years of age in large breed dogs. There are numerous health issues that occur with male dogs that are fixed before 2 years of age. See the site I posted for the list.

TO Saphire--
I am not educated enough on cats to accurately comment on them. I know though that a lot of cat owners like to let them outside. In this case, I believe you are correct, and fixing is the only choice in this situation.

Stephanie--
so far you have shown that you know less about dogs then anyone else that has given me an answer. I said absolutely nothing about not wanting to fix male dogs because of the pain they feel. This is a assumption you have made on your own. You know what they say about people who assume. In addition, it is an absolute proven fact now a days that it is MUCH HEALTHIER for your male dog to leave him intact. For female dogs it is much healthier to have them spayed. Just to let you know, boys and girls have different body parts. Not just on the outside, but the inside to. The only thing that fixing a male dog prevents is testicular cancer, which is very, very, rare in dogs and easy to catch. The negative health effects of fixing your male dog is a much longer list, and much more frequently occuring cancer as well. Read the link I left. I could paste 50 links by doctors and vets that say the exact same thing. This info is almost common knowlege now a days.

To sclarm--
When you say 90% of owners are not responsible enough to keep an intact dog, what do you think they are doing to cause their dog to impregnate other dogs. Are you talking about them buying a female as well and having puppies. If this is what you are talking about, I agee with you but I dont think the number is as high 90% though. What do you think is the answer though, it has been proven that you cant fix male dogs at 12 week of age as this would be extremely unhealthy for them. So would we say, no one can own a dog until it is old enough to be fixed? This obvioulsy isnt the answer. This leads me back to what I have been saying, the problem is the people, not fixing the dogs. Let me know what you think please

Modelgirl--
That is an old myth, roaming is not effected by fixing your dog. How would your dog impregnated other peoples female dogs?? The owner of the male dog would have to let his dog run free at the same time the owner of the female dog would also have to do the same thing, so once again, it comes back to the people, not fixing the dogs.

Whitney05---
Your "stray dog" story is very unlikely. I understand what you are getting at there but in reality if you are being 100% honest, how many stray dogs have been able to wander in your back yard. In the last 12 years that I have owned my own house, it has never happened to me. If a stray dog can get into your yard, that probally means your dog could get out which means you should be a little more responsible with putting your dog in a secure yard. Talking about prostate cancer, they have now found out that it is the opposite. Fixed male dogs are almost exclusively the only ones getting the highly malignant prostatic cancer. That is the one that will kill your dog and there is little that can be done for it.

Whitney05--
You are correct about male to male aggression. This is the one thing that fixing your male dog will tone down. It wont make your dog any less active though, if you dog is really energetic before getting fixed, nothing will change in that area after getting fixed. Yes, it will make an aggressive dog less aggressive twords other male dogs though.

Additional for Stephanie--
Even though testicular cancer is very rare with intact male dogs and us usually benign when it does occur, you said you would rather be safe then sorry. Why dont you have your breasts removed so you dont get breast cancer. There is a much, much, higher chance of a woman getting breast cancer then a fixed dog getting testicular cancer. Wouldnt you rather be safe then sorry??

TO honeysadsam--
Very good answer. Thank you for answering my question and not attacking it. My comment about the ears and kidneys was aimed at the fact that studies are showing that male dogs need their testicles for their overall health as much as they need their eyes to see or both of their kindeys to function. Looking back at my comment, you are correct about the eyes though, I should have left them out. The kidneys I think are a good example. I suggested removing one kidney because your dog can still live with only one (his body wont work as well) but it cuts down on the risk of having kidney cancer. Same with the testies, your dog can live without them, but he wont live as health of a life. About people breeding who should not be, then I ask what do you believe the answer is? We know we cant fix all dogs between 8-12 weeks old, and we know we cant just say people are not aloud to own puppies. See next paragraph for continuation.

How bout how Germany does it, you need to have a liscense to breed and all the dogs you breed have to past a health exam including stuff like good hips, knees, eyes, before you can breed those two dogs. If anyone is found breeding dogs without a liscense, they are punished by the law. I think somehting like this would be great. What do you think??

DP--
You need to realize that you have been brainwashed. I am not trying to insult you so dont take the word "brainwashed" as an insult. It is just the correct word to describe the way a lot of people think on this subject now a days. I dont want you to even look at the site I posted, go do the research for your self and come back and post an answer. There is tons and tons of new information out there that talks about how testicular cancer in non fixed male dogs is extremely rare and on top of that it is almost always benign. It also talks about how almost all the dogs that are getting the highly malignant prostatic cancer are all fixed males. That is the cancer that will kill your dog. You will also find a laundry list of other health problems that come with fixing your male dog. Ask your vet, my vet just made the switch about 6 months ago. He was always telling me to fix my shepherd and now he told me to be glad i didn't. Expecially not as early as use to be reccomended.

Jasmine--
It has nothing to due with insecurities, it has to due with the health of male dogs. Please try to learn something about dogs and try to provide some useful information to this question.

To gg-
A intact male dogs chances of getting testicular cancer are very rare and on top of that it is almost always benign. I will go research the exact numbers and post it, you wont believe how ridiculously small the chances are. In addition, the bad effects fixing your dog has on its health is much greater. Almost all the cases of the highly malignant prostatic cancer are found in fixed male dogs. This is the cancer that will kill your dog and is much more common then testicular cancer and is almost never found in intact males.

To Volven--
Good answer, and I deffinately agree with you about not just randomly removing my appendix to prevent an infection or to just fix a dog solely for the reason of preventing testicular cancer.

Great dane lover--
I am not just reading anti-fix literature. There are a lot of studies and vets out their that are saying that they believe there are more health problems from fixing your dog then not fixing your dog. I could sit here and paste every site I have gone to but you can do the same search I have done so I just pasted the last one I read. Is it your opinion on just a stictly health basis, that it is better for your male dog to have him fixed? If yes, then what age would you recomend to have him fixed?

To believer--
If you read my responses, you will see that I am more then willing to listen to other peoples responses, that is the whole reason I posted this question. That is why I have spent the last hour responding to what people have said. The problem is, most people are saying they should be fixed because of over population. As you can see from my responses, my next question is how to handle the over population by making people fix their dogs because what ever we are doing now, definately is not working. I mentioned maybe doing something along the lines of what germany does. Only liscenced people can breed dogs, and all dogs must pass a health exam before being aloud to breed. What do you think the answer is?? Also, if you read my previous questions, I deffinately dont just choose one of the people that agree with my point of view as the "best answer". I choose who answers the question I ask, doesnt insult everyone, and uses factual information with reference if possible.

Answer 1

Well, this post is likely going to give me numerous thumbs down, but here goes:

I live in a country where neutering and spaying is rather the exception than the norm. We have no stray dogs, nor hundreds of dogs sitting in the shelters waiting for a home.

What we do have are laws (puppy mills are illegal, selling dogs below 8 weeks of age is illegal, selling dogs in pet shops is illegal, all dogs must be registered, vaccinated, and insured etc.), and dog organisations, trainers, breeders, vets etc. who make an effort to educate the public. There are of course some bad apples and some uneducated puppy owners who buy from foreign puppy mills, but luckily very few.

Our vets seem pretty divided on the issue, but our dogs generally live long lives and are not dropping dead in hordes of testicular or mammary cancer, although yes, a small percentage do and these would most likely have been saved had they been spayed/neutered at a young age, but basically for me it's a matter of weighing up advantages and disadvantages.

I'm not against spaying or neutering (e.g. I spay/neuter my cats), and I have sometimes advised a dog owner to neuter/spay, just as I would have my own dog neutered/spayed if I felt it necessary. There are situations where it's the best thing to do for the dog's physical or mental wellbeing - and if you live in a culture where, unlike here, the average dog owner is incapable of ensuring that their dog will not produce unwanted puppies...well, then there you have it.

Personally I would not as a default spay/neuter a healthy dog, just as I wouldn't e.g. have my own appendix or uterus removed, unless I had a problem or was in a high risk group.

Answer 2

Pet overpopulation is really a BIG problem in today's society. There are millions of dogs euthanized because they are unwanted and because of unwanted births. Sometimes, you just can't help that you're dog runs away or it stolen and whatever else. It's not always the humans fault. But, I do agree that it is the pet parent's responsiblity to watch the dog, but you just can't do that 24/7. Dogs will be dogs, and it's a natural instinct. And what about stray dogs? What is a responsible owner supposed to do if a male stray wanders in your yard with your unspayed female? Who's fault is that? The owner of the stray, that could have been a stray for years for various reasons? It really is better for the dog.
Neutering male dogs will cut testosterone levels in the dog, which is a good thing if you're dog is a high strung dog. Neutering my male, cut down his aggressiveness a good deal. Neutering early will cut out the excess testosterone.
Prostate cancer is another reason.

Answer 3

Let someone else take you r dog until the heat is over. Crate them both when you are not around. Why do you not want to fix your dogs?? ADDED: Are they shown in the ring? do they have all health test done? Are the proven best in breed? Have they been looked at by a judge to determine if they are of breed standards? Why breed more Pitts when we have over 20 in the pound where I volunteer at right now looking for life long homes. All but two are wonderful dogs very friendly. For everyone that owns one and breeds it there are 5 sent to the pound. If people would quit breeding to make money this would diminish greatly. There is not reason the breed any dog unless it is to better the breed. Take a walk through the pound and look at all the friendly faces that are behind bars if you do not believe me. I have 2 AKC reg Akita's that where from champion lines and show quality to boot. I paid 1500.00 for the male and 1800.00 for the female Guess what they are both fixed. Breeding without showing and proving the dog is just adding to the dogs that are on death row. Please reconsider

Answer 4

You need to be very careful of anti-neuter links...they aren't very correct.
I have worked in the vet field for 35 years...I have NEVER seen a dog get a problem because it was neutered, even large/giant breeds (I have owned large/giant breeds for many, many years myself). I have seen many intact male dogs who have had very serious health issues because they weren't neutered. Testicular cancer isn't anywhere near the issue as prostrate issues and anal tumors/fistulas are. Also testicular cancer while not as common as other problems can appear and grow a lot faster then what many people realize. it also doesn't always show itself externally and by the time it does it has spread into internal organs. I've seen males as young as 9 months old have some serious issues. Incontinance from prostrate problems...tumors, enlargement..are common in intact males. I've seen way too many intact dogs with anal fistulas/tumors. These are extremely painful and hard to heal.

It does NOT hurt a male dog to be neutered!!!! People that spread that kind of stuff really need to spend some real time in a vet hospital and really see for themselves..it would be a real eye opener.

Another thing neutering does NOT change personality...personality is what it is period. It also will NOT cause weight gain. excess calories and not enough exercise do that.

I personally would not recommend that a dog of any breed/size be neutered before 6 months except under extenuating circumstances..

Answer 5

Well, there is reason for responsible owners to have their dogs neutered. Accidents do happen. And if you're dog is not purebred with the credentials for a stud dog (to be used to improve the breed) you should have him neutered.

A dog being used for guarding or a working dog should not be neutered though, it alters their drive (apparantly) but I think that depends on the age they were fixed at. If a dog is neutered when fully grown, it should'nt affect his drive, because he will have gone past puppy stage and the neutering will not keep him in a state of suspended puppyhood.

The main reason we hear so much about getting dogs neutered is unlikely to be due to the risk of testicular cancer, but rather to do with the problem of overpopulation of dogs. There are just so many unwanted dogs and pups being put down each year because people don't have their dogs neutered.
Even if you think you are responsible (and you may well be), when a dog smells a b*tch in heat, he will do everything, I mean everything in his power to get to her. This means the need for an EXTREMLY secure garden, and total vigilance on walks, it only takes a few seconds! And what if a b*tch comes to him? Even the most responsible breeders of dogs have had accidental pregnancies.

So unless your dog is a police dog or similar, or a really good male for stud it is best to have him neutered.

And for the reasons of stopping aggression or dominance or other behavioural problems, neutering is only effective when performed on an immature dog that has shown no signs of dominence, etc, yet. It effectivly does not allow the dog to grow up.

By the way, dogs that are ever so slightly on the thin side are healthier and live longer than dogs fed more. So there's a tip for you, keep your dogs ribs visible, but obviously do not have him starving. ;)

Good luck!

Answer 6

Didn't bother to read your link... Cause people are generally irresponsible.. They can't figure out how to keep their dog in the yard.. They don't supervise their dogs when they go out.. They can't figure out how to keep their dogs apart in the house when one is in heat. They can't figure out the basics.. They cannot figure out when to go to the vet, when they need to have their dog treated. They would not recognize that there was a problem with their dog or anything else.. How the heck do you expect these people who are irresponsible on a day to day basis to keep their intact males from impregnating all the dogs on the street?? They aren't doing it now, so if you encourage more people to keep their dogs intact the shelter problem gets even worse..

Also, Our dogs all get neutered.. so your little links about how it is harder on dogs to be neutered is CRAP...
Why risk a dog developing cancer, only to have to have it treated..
Removing the eyes so they won't have eye problems?? That is a ridiculous argument.
The odds of developing eye problems aren't as great as the problems caused by a dog staying intact..

If people had commonsense and used their heads, know how to handle an intact male.. Knew how to stop him from humping them, marking in their house, knew how to handle male dog aggression, and could keep their dogs from escaping and breeding with the rest of the intact dogs.. Then it wouldn't be an issue.. But it's very obvious that people generally cannot do this.. People have no commonsense, they have no sense of responsibility and they cannot afford vet care.. They aren't willing to put up good fences... so People generally NEED to have their dogs spayed / neutered. In Fantasy land, where everyone is perfect and does the right thing.. All those people can leave their dogs intact..

Edit : Given that we have been getting our puppies spayed/neutered before they go to homes.. for over 14 years now. And they have not have the mentioned health issues that supposedly go along with spaying/neutering.. The research is BS. I have not been brainwashed.. I have seen first hand that the supposed research is WRONG.. There are no health risks / problems related to spaying and neutering.. I talk to our puppy buyers regularly. There are no health issues related to the dogs being spayed/neutered.. You my friend are the one that has been brainwashed.

Answer 7

So wow! You seem to have a rebuttal for everyone! Your link is ONE vet's article. Can you back that up with MANY more? Or is this just the opinion of a vet who caters to show breeders? Sounds quite biased to me. And so do you.
Just so you know, there IS a dog overpopulation. And the reason people are encouraged to neuter their dogs is that lack of spaying and neutering has CAUSED this overpopulation.
You may be great at keeping your male away from any females, but you are ONE PERSON. There are millions of other people in this country, and alot of them are not so responsible.
So you are great at keeping your dog away from females, but it seems to me that you are not so great at caring what is happening outside your own little world. Pull your head out of the sand and join the human race. We all need to help if we are going to overcome this problem.

Now you can rebutt me as well, because, of course, only you are correct here.

Answer 8

The problem is, a lot of people are not responsible dog owners or ignorant. You can read some of the posts people ask: accidental breeding, is my female pregnant. These people do not do their homework before they mate their dogs (oh, I want my girl to have a litter ...). Thus, they create pet overpopulation. For eyes and kidney, dogs need that for their daily functions. Do dogs really their testicles? They still the same dog after s/n.

Answer 9

Ahem, if this link IS meat to be True. (and i use that very loosely.) Why have not all the vets in this world have come up with the same conclusions. Having a Dog done, also not only stop unwanted puppies ect. But also Prevents Prostrate CANCER. How come this is never highlighted.!! why not the Pro`s for having Dogs done. And believe me i know about Prostrate Problems in Dogs, My dear old dog, had an enlarged Prostrate gland, due to me not having Him done.(at the time little was known about this.) If i had Known i would have had him done and maybe had that bit extra time with him. But he also had a collapsed lung.I made the descion to put him to sleep before Cancer did set in and he suffer. It really Peeves me off, when people jump on the band wagon why this and that should and should not be done for the sake of "So called Animals Lovers."

Answer 10

Overpopulation is one reason. Not everyone is going to be a responsible pet owner. It's a personal choice you make as a pet owner. No one can force someone to fix their dog. All my pets are fixed because I don't want any babies. My dog was adopted from a shelter because her mother was a stray with a huge litter of puppies with no home. I think that's why fixing your pet is such an issue. Too many pets with no homes.