Fixing vs. Not Fixing your dogs

[Lovely Lettie]

I have to agree with this. I do a lot of research on holistic care etc, so don't do a lot of vaccines, and other things. Thanks for your opinion.

NP

 

[Peaches Lee]

I can certainly see both standpoints and have owned both unaltered and altered pets.

It takes a very responsible person to have unaltered pets.

I think a lot of dogs that end up in shelters for behavioral problems are not there because spaying and neutering caused the unwanted behaviors, but rather ignorant people that haven't done their research buy a GSD for an apartment dog and are completely ill prepared to handle the dog's need for mental and physical stimulation--just as a brief example.

All in all, I think for the general public, spaying and neutering is the way to go.

But for the person that has done their research and is committed to what is means to leave their animal entire--I say do what suits you.

 

[cherrynberry]

I can certainly see both standpoints and have owned both unaltered and altered pets.

It takes a very responsible person to have unaltered pets.

I think a lot of dogs that end up in shelters for behavioral problems are not there because spaying and neutering caused the unwanted behaviors, but rather ignorant people that haven't done their research buy a GSD for an apartment dog and are completely ill prepared to handle the dog's need for mental and physical stimulation--just as a brief example.

All in all, I think for the general public, spaying and neutering is the way to go.

But for the person that has done their research and is committed to what is means to leave their animal entire--I say do what suits you.

This is definitely how I feel too.

 

[Weeg]

I think a lot of dogs that end up in shelters for behavioral problems are not there because spaying and neutering caused the unwanted behaviors, but rather ignorant people that haven't done their research buy a GSD for an apartment dog and are completely ill prepared to handle the dog's need for mental and physical stimulation--just as a brief example.

Exactly! I 100% agree, but I also think that it might not be in a shelters best interest to fix dogs if theirs a chance of behavioral issues, so thats we're ovary sparing spays for females come in handy. Though sadly their isn't that option for males.

 

[Jenessa_096]

I think it’s a responsible thing to do. Not only does it have benefits of behavior and health like other people have said, but also some dog parks won’t even allow unnueutered/ unspayed dogs, and if your dog gets lost or missing then there’s a chance it could get pregnant. My parents definitely don’t agree with me. But the more I think about it and read about it, the more I think it’s the right thing to do.

 

[TheFatBlueCat]

I think it depends on why you have the dog. If you might be interested in (responsible) breeding then yes entire is fine. But I actually think it's somewhat unfair to the pet to keep them entire with all those hormones and never let them act on them. I would spay/neuter my dog for that reason, I think it is unfair to keep them entire and not let them have any sex!

 

[Bigtom Turkey]

Dogs are different then people, for the most part my (entire) male dog is fine as long as there aren't any female in heat... then all hell breaks loose.

 

[Weeg]

For all of the intact female dog owners, any tips for keeping them without unwanted pregnancies? I don't think we're going to spay our Labrador, she's 10 months so could go into heat soon. So far I'm planning on keeping her tight, we bought toys, planning on walking more often (on a leash) and of course, we've got a few diapers on hand. She also eats homemade raw, and I've read maybe adding root veggies can help keep her fuller. Do any of you adjust the diet when there' in heat? Thanks for the help.
Any other suggestions?

 

[sdm111]

I would any female I have now. I learned the hard way about pyometra. Look it up it's nothing nice

 

[Bonkerelli]

Hey everyone, this is something I've done a lot of research on lately. We've had labs in the past and always got them fixed. This time, I decided to do some research on the topic. I found a very informative article against fixing your dogs. Its written on Dogs Naturally, and very large, informative, and trustworthy source for holistic/natural medical care for dogs. I use it for a lot of my dog questions. Point being, they talked about a lot of study's in the article showing that intact dogs are less likely to get hip dysplasia, joint disease, cancer, and behavioral issues. I've also found that this is a very controversial topic. Theres lots of article claiming the exact opposite. I'm interested to see everyones opinion. I personally am leaning towards not spaying my pup. I'll link the article I read below. I also never liked how invasive it is. Vets remove the uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, and ovaries. The entire reproductive system. Plus it immediately cuts off hormones, which play a big role in the immune system.
Anyway, this is just want I've read. Wondering what everyone else opinions are. If you don't spay your dog, please feel free to add what you do to prevent pregnancy. I know, and agree that dog over populations a major issue, but I also think that measures can be taken to prevent intact females from becoming pregnant, it just takes a responsible owner. I know this is a touchy topic and others may have strong opinions. Lets try to keep this discussion friendly and informative. Thanks everyone!
Article- https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/three-reasons-to-reconsider-spayneuter/

I have done both and there certainly IS a difference in the overall health of the dog. Though my experience is with male dogs. I am leaning more on not fixing animals. For proper development you want those hormones in their bodies. I understand why people would want their animals fixed. Again, my experience with male dogs... Unneutered males are generally healthier, better physically, and overall temperament is better. Cutting the nuts off is not a reason to develop "good" behavior. Each dog is different but I am talking in general terms. Nearly every dog that I have known or owned that was neutered had massive health problems earlier in life and did not live as long. With the opposite, there were nearly no health issues and lived a VERY long time with the dogs that were intact.

Reasons behind fixing your animals is an entirely different subject. Were there is pros and cons to both.