When a puppy dog comes into our lives, we may have a lot of questions about castration: what exactly does it consist of? When to do it? What are the drawbacks? Therefore, today we resolve all your doubts about canine castration!
Is castration the same as sterilization?
To begin with we want to clarify that castration and sterilization are not the same. Sometimes both terms are used interchangeably to refer, in general, to an intervention after which there is no possibility of conception.
Canine castration is a surgical operation by which the testicles are removed into the male can and the ovaries (or ovaries and uterus) in females.
Sterilization is less invasive than castration, although it also requires our pets to go through the operating room. There, females are made a tubal ligation and dogs are severed with the seminiferous ducts, those that connect the penis and testicles.
When it's convenient to castrate a dog
Experts agree that castration should be carried out before the dog or dog reaches its sexual maturity. This is usually between 6 and 8 months of age, but will vary depending on the breed. Remember that these are guidance data and each case is better to consult with a professional!
It is true that the sooner canine castration is performed, the more likely there is to avoid certain diseases. However, it is not recommended to do it before 6 months of age, as this could affect the normal development of the puppy.
Similarly, there are ages from which it is no longer recommended to carry out this operation, unless it depends on the life of the animal. This age is usually 6 or 7 years old.
Advantages and drawbacks of canine castration
One of the main advantages that we all know about canine castration is that it completely and irreversibly nullifies the possibility of conceiving, avoiding, in many cases, unwanted litters.
But this is not the only major advantage.
This surgery will prevent our pet from suffering some serious health problems.
In the case of, castration is indicated to prevent breast cancer and any other reproductive organs.
The zeal will disappear completely and also love the character of the bitch.
For dogs, castration, the castration decreases the chances of prostate disease.
In addition, not being able to produce testosterone eliminates sexual desire and conflicts that could arise, such as fights.
We also want to clarify that canine castration has some drawbacks for both dogs and.
The first one has already been mentioned: this is an irreversible intervention. Once done, your pet won't be able to have puppies.
On the other hand, as it is an operation that requires anesthesia, certain problems with it may occur, just as it does in human operations.
Also, after surgery it can happen that your pet gains a lot of weight, but this may be due to an unsuitable diet. It is recommended that you talk to the veterinarian to recommend the diet that should be followed.
Finally, as for the recovery process, in the case of canine castration it is longer than when the animal is sterilized.
Immediate care after the operation
Full recovery will be achieved after 1 or 2 weeks, taking longer them than them.
After the procedure, your veterinarian will tell you what medications to give your pet to avoid pain and inflammation. Similarly, your hairy or hairy should be belled so that it does not touch, scratch or slat the wound.
This wound should be healed and cleaned following the instructions of the professional and constantly monitor it to make sure that the points do not come out, there is no infection, etc.
Your pet should remain in a quiet and clean place until full recovery, ensuring that it always has the necessary food and water.
And a lot of love! That's always the best medicine.
Remember that having pets means the responsibility to take care of your health and avoid litters that you don't want.
Abandonment is NEVER an option!