Have you ever considered having your German Shepherd “fixed”? This term is often used to loosely describe the procedure of neutering or spaying one’s dog. This ultimately compromises a dog’s ability to breed. It does seem like a radical procedure, and many dog owners consider it a very debatable subject. Just like any other procedure, neutering or spaying one’s dog has its pros and cons. Let this article help you learn some facts to help you decide what is best for your German Shepherd.
It is a proven fact that spaying your German Shepherd prevents future health problems. For female German Shepherds, the procedure can prevent potentially lethal uterine infections. It can also decrease the chances of your German Shepherd from contracting breast cancer. All in all, it protects your dog from all the risks that come with pregnancy.
Most dog owners also opt to have their dogs spayed out of convenience. Heat periods can turn out to be a very messy and inconvenient experience for the dog and its owner. Just like humans, dogs in time of heat will secrete a bloody discharge. Often times, this requires the owner to confine the dog in a space to prevent it from making a mess in the house.
For male German Shepherds, the procedure can help protect them from testicular tumors. It also decreases the dog’s desire to mark its territory. In most cases, the procedure helps keep sexual arousal in check, which at times can be a very unpleasant experience for dog owners. Most importantly, it helps male German Shepherds control their aggression and overt desire to be overly dominant.
That being said, the procedure of neutering or spaying one’s dog also has its disadvantages. In a way, the procedure can affect the dogs’ hormones. In effect, there have been instances of dogs developing obesity after the procedure. In addition to this, the procedure itself can become very costly. And since the procedure requires general anesthesia, a whole different set of risks are brought to the table.
However, the issue here is not so much about “if” it should be done; so much as it is about “when” it should be done. Some argue that spaying a dog during its formative years can cause other health problems. In this case, the safest bet is to have the procedure done once the dog turns at least a year old.
Whatever the case, spaying or neutering German Shepherds, as with all dog breeds certainly has its risks. However, granted that the procedure is done as an informed decision with the help of trained professionals, this risk may prove to be the greatest investment for your German Shepherd’s health. Invest in your dog’s future, know the facts, and do what needs to be done.
Camille Goldin reveals the importance of neutering and spaying your German Shepherd. She writes for TrainPetDog.com, a website that gives information on different Dog Breeds.
Related posts: