The Tribune

By BASIL SANDS

Everyday I am asked by concerned clients about the effects neutering will have on their pet’s behaviour. So today we will try to discuss such effects. Neutering is the surgical removal of reproductive organs that renders a male or female pet unable to reproduce. In males, the surgery called castration entails removal of the testicles, leaving an empty scrotal sac that soon shrinks. The testicles produce sperm and are the primary production site of the hormone testosterone. The penis is not removed because it functions additionally for voiding of urine. In female animals, the surgery called spaying involves the removal of both ovaries and the uterus by an incision into the abdominal cavity. The ovaries produce eggs at each heat cycle and also produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone. The uterus is also removed because it may eventually become infected later on if it is not removed. Pets are neutered to prevent unwanted babies and a variety of medical disorders in both males and females, such as hip dysplasia. Ideally, females should be neutered before their first estrus or heat. More pets are being neutered at younger ages so that they do not contribute to the stray problem we have in Nassau.

Effects on sexual behaviour

Sexual behaviour usually disappears after neutering. In animals that have experienced sexual activity before neutering, however, some sexual behaviour may persist. This is not necessarily an indication of incomplete surgical removal of the sexual organs. Behaviour that appears to be sexually motivated may be linked to other causes. Mounting by castrated dogs is usually a sign of dominance behaviour. Masturbation, particularly in male cats and dogs, may occur following castration. This is most common in males that experienced sexual arousal before castration. For the most part, neutering effectively eliminates objectionable sexual behaviour.

Effect on aggression

Intact males and females are more likely to display aggression related to sexual behaviour than are neutered animals. Fighting, particularly in males and directed at other males, is less common after neutering. The intensity of other types of aggression, such as dominance aggression, is also likely to be reduced. When related to the hormonal imbalance of false pregnancy or the agitation associated with estrus, spaying eliminates irritable aggression in females. If you worry that your dog will not protect your house after neutering, territorial aggression is not altered after neutering. If your pet is not intended for breeding, neutering is advised to prevent aggressiveness related to sex hormones. Though neutering is not a treatment for aggression, it can help minimize the severity and escalation of aggressiveness and is often the first step toward resolving an aggressive behaviour problem.

Effect on general temperament

Most clients have reservations about neutering their pets in that they will lose their vitality. Neutering does not alter basic intelligence and temperament. In fact, many undesirable qualities under hormonal influence may resolve after surgery. Your pet will not become less affectionate or playful, nor will it resent you. By neutering, you will be acting as a responsible, informed and loving pet owner. The temperament of females is unlikely to improve after having a litter. There is no benefit from sexual activity for male or female dogs or cats. Do not project your own physical or emotional needs onto your pet. It is not unnatural to control a pet’s reproductive activity by having it neutered. Rather it is unkind not to neuter your pet.

Effect on escape and roaming

A neutered pet is less likely to roam. Castrated male dogs and cats tend to patrol smaller outdoor areas and are less likely to engage in territorial conflicts with rivals. A pet that has already had successful escapes will probably continue to run away after it has been neutered.

Effect on inappropriate

elimination

Dogs and cats may urinate or defecate in undesirable areas of your home for a myriad of reasons. Because this behaviour is only partly under hormonal control, pets may begin to eliminate inappropriately even after neutering. Neutering an animal that has begun to eliminate inappropriately reduces the urine odour of intact animals and eliminates the contribution of hormonal factors. Unless underlying emotional or physical factors are controlled and environmental factors are removed, the undesirable behaviour may persist beyond neutering.

Effect on body weight

Because of metabolic changes that follow neutering, some pets may gain weight. Some pets gain weight because their owners feed them more because they feel guilty for subjecting them to any discomfort that may arise from the surgery. Pets, like people, become less active as they mature and may gain weight. Before surgery, there is a lot of energy channelled towards reproduction or cooting. Females in heat are often agitated and irritable, sleeping and eating less. Males may be more reactive to stimuli in general and more acutely aware of rivals or intruders on their territory. They will go without food for extended periods of time just to find that female dog that is in heat. After your pet is neutered, adjust its food intake to prevent excessive weight gain. Weight gain following neutering is easily controlled. If food intake is not decreased after neutering, a gradual weight increase is likely.