To neuter or not to neuter your Shih Tzu male dog? Should I neuter my Shih Tzu at all? is a disturbing question all of us pet parents, put off until later!
If you have the right veterinary approved, precise and accurate information, then it gets a lot easier and less emotional!
Here are the most important and critical facts you need to know about neutering…Especially things like Anaesthesia
What is neutering?
Neutering or castration is a veterinary procedure that aims at rendering male dogs not fertile or unable to reproduce.
Although Female spaying is performed much more common, Owners prefer neutering their male dogs for many reasons. Especially to reduce common annoying behaviors related to reproduction.
Signs your dog needs to be neutered
- The dog is becoming aggressive
A high testosterone level (Low = 0.4 to High = 6.0 ng/ml) is the primary cause of aggression towards other male dogs especially when competing for a dog in heat, animals and humans. Lower oxytocin (The love /cuddle hormone) levels & High vasopressin levels also cause aggression and territorial behaviour. - Dog has genetic/DNA defects (Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD), Epilepsy, Heart Disease, Degenerative Myelopathy, Brachycephalic Syndrome ) that can be inherited by the offspring.
- Risk of testicular cancer
- Don’t want the dog to impregnate other dogs
- Your dog has a perineal hernia (a bulge protruding out of his back near the tail/back legs). During surgery, your dog should be castrated to reduce the chances of perineal hernia reoccurring.
How neutering is performed?
Neutering is a surgery that is done under general anaesthesia. Through which both testicles and their associated structures are removed. Therefore, the dog is unable to produce spermatozoids. This is not meant to cease behavior related to breeding. Sometimes neutered dogs keep manifesting humping.
Alternatives to surgical castration? Vasectomy
Alternative procedures, like vasectomies, achieve the same goal, but it is not very commonly done.
The cost of vasectomy is nearly the same or can even be a bit less. It is irreversible!
Because the semen canals are removed.
Semen is still produced but it can’t pass outside.
Hormones (Testosterone) are also produced
Best age to neuter a Shih Tzu puppy?
This is a VERY frequent question that many pet parents ask.
Neutering has a “best time” to be done. This is generally between 6 and 9 months old. Sometimes younger dogs are neutered especially in animal shelters.
Advantages:
Social benefits:
- Reduce overpopulation
- Reduce the number of dogs in shelters.
- Reduces the number of unwanted litters of homeless dogs
- Avoid breeding related pets (e.g. from the same litter) or same household
- Avoid fighting between dogs in mating seasons
Individual benefits
- The dog becomes quiet and gives more attention to his owner.
- Avoid some reproductive health problems that are common in older dogs like prostate hyperplasia and testicular cancers.
- Beneficial in reducing learned aggressiveness.
- The dog becomes less likely to flee his home in search of females in heat.
- Avoid the marking behaviour that dogs usually perform everywhere
- Behavior related to breeding instincts humping may or may not cease.
- There are some studies that outline that neutering is a risk factor for joint disorders and bladder cancers, but these complications remain rare.
- if you neuter a Shih Tzu will he will gain a lot a lot of weight?
Yes! It is recommended to reduce his normal diet by 20% after neutering
Should I neuter my Shih Tzu? Should You really Spay or Neuter Your Dog?
For most owners, outweighing Advantages and drawbacks is the key to determine whether you need to have your dog neutered or not. The pros of spaying and neutering their dogs outweigh the cons. Neutering is usually done by pet owners who have multiple pets. Because there is no real need to neuter an only one living dog in a household. It may be of interest when dogs are given free access to the outside and always getting in to trouble with other dogs for mating.
Does neutering a dog change his personality?
Contrary to the popular belief I have seen among many pet owners and vets neutering does not stop or reduce humping and aggressiveness. Neutering is NOT a good option for modifying dog behaviour! A better approach is understanding underlying reasons and root causes for the behaviour (is it fear? anxiety? etc) and tackling those.
Before surgery?
After surgery?
A bandage is not necessary after neutering because the scrotum or testicle envelop shrinks on its own. Pain relievers are given and an E-collar is put in the dog’s neck to prevent him from licking its wound. The wound requires a daily disinfection and it heals very fast. The vet prescribes antibiotics to avoid infection.
How long to recover after surgery?
Once without his testicles, the dog needs about 15 days or so to get rid of his “male” hormones. He becomes uninterested in females, or giving less interest. He can’t have babies. The dog must avoid exercise and must be kept away from other dogs to avoid trouble. Avoid exercise and fighting with other animals.
Complications after surgery?
If you notice any
- Redness,
- Swelling around the incision, or
- If the dog stops eating or becomes lethargic contact your veterinarian immediately!
Cost?
200$ to 300$
How long does it take to recover?
Recovery time is variable. Generally a few days are necessary for the dog to get back to its normal life. The wound heals completely in about 2 weeks.
If your dog has any medical issue, please consult your own veterinarian for treatment and further advice!