Neutering Can Cause Health Issues To A Golden Retriever
Researchers at the University of California have discovered that has negative effects on Golden Retrievers, increasing your dog’s chances of getting joint disorders and cancer. In this post, Dr. Karen Becker talks about alternative methods of keeping your dog from breeding, such as a vasectomy or tubal ligation.
Even if you choose not to neuter your dog she’s still prone to a long list of medical conditions, which include:
- hypothyroidism;
- eye disorders;
- skin problems.
If you own a Golden Retriever you need pet insurance that covers her for a wide range of health issues, besides accidents. This can increase your regular expenses, but it’s usually a good investment as Goldens are in the top of the most expensive breeds in terms of medical costs, with an average of $961 a year.
How Do I Care For My Dog’s Incision
Your dog will have an incision on her lower abdomen. It will be several inches in length and it will be secured with one of the following:
- Stitches
- Wound glue
- Staples
If the incision is closed with wound glue, you must use extreme caution to avoid getting it wet. Therefore, you should avoid bathing your dog and cleaning the wound unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian. You’ll know it’s closed with wound glue if you can’t see any stitches or staples. Non-dissolving stitches and staples will be removed at the vet’s office after 10 to 14 days.
Male Dogs Are Coming Around More Often
Because your Golden retriever is in heat, she is giving off pheromones to attract other dogs. Male dogs can smell your dog at this time from a mile or more away and won’t hesitate to track her down.
Make sure you stay with your dog while she is outside during her heat. There is no barricade high enough to keep a determined male from making it into your yard if he knows your dog is in heat. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Things To Watch For After Surgery
Check with your vet if there’s a discharge from the incision or if your dog seems to be in excessive pain. It’s rare for a dog to need pain medication, but it’s not unheard of.
If the dog keeps licking the stitches, use an Elizabethan collar to prevent this. Some dogs have trouble walking while wearing these, and they bonk into doorways and tables. Nonetheless, have the dog wear it even during sleep, because licking can prevent the incision from healing properly.
The neutering procedure can make your dog calmer overall, but dogs — for the most part — tend to bounce back to their usual personalities after recovery. Some dogs are more affected than others, though, so talk to your vet if you’re concerned.
Has your dog been neutered? What advice do you have for someone considering the procedure for their dog? Let us know in the comments below!
Caring For Your Aging Golden Retriever
As your beloved golden gets older he will require certain lifestyle changes. As a loving dog owner, it is up to you to make sure his golden years are just as happy and comfortable as before, and that his good health is maintained.
Veterinary Care
Now that your dog is a senior it is important to visit your vet twice a year for a check-up. Your vet will be able to discuss with you any changes that you may have noticed, as well as perform a complete thorough exam.
Nutrition
As your dog ages, his metabolism will slow down. It is important to keep your dog at a healthy weight, and not let him become obese. If your dog is overweight it is important to work at shedding off the excess weight.
Your older golden requires a balanced diet that is low in calories but has an adequate amount of protein and fat. A high fibre diet will help keep your golden fuller longer.
Many people add glucosamine to their dog’s diet to help with joint pain. It is also a good idea to feed your senior dog smaller meals throughout the day, instead of just once or twice. This allows your dog to metabolize the food better.
Grooming
Hopefully, you are already grooming your dog on a regular/daily basis, but older goldens may have difficulty grooming themselves because of decreased mobility. It is important to brush your golden, trim his nails, and bathe him regularly. This will allow you to spot any skin conditions or changes in the coat.
Do you know what the best brush for a golden is? Find out here.
Comfort
Give Your Golden Retriever A Job To Do
Your golden can only be doing one thing at a time.
For example, they can’t chew up your shoe and chew on a chew toy at once.
So if your golden is doing something you don’t want them to do, give them something else to do that you do want them to do.
This is called redirection.
If they’re barking, get them to chew on a chew toy.
If they’re jumping on you, ask them to .
If they’re biting your fingers, give them a plush toy to bite.
When they do do the behavior you’re asking for, make sure to praise them and let them know they’re doing a great job.
And here’s a bonus tip: get them to do something you want them to do before they do the thing you don’t want them to do.
Eventually, they’ll stop their bad habit and do something that they’re rewarded for.
Now, no matter how much you exercise your golden, or how often you redirect them, if you’re positively reinforcing the bad behavior, things just might get worse…
What Is Involved In Spaying And Neutering Procedures
Now that you understand some of the most common behavioral changes that follow spaying and neutering operations, let’s discuss exactly what happens when you have your dog spayed or neutered.
Most vets will require you to bring your dog in several days to a week before the procedure to verify that your dog is healthy enough for the operation and to obtain and analyze a blood sample.
This will help ensure that your dog’s kidneys and liver are functioning well enough to handle the anesthesia medication, among other things.
Assuming that everything checks out, you’ll be instructed to bring your dog in at a scheduled time. You’ll typically need to withhold food for some time before the procedure , and you’ll want to go for a fairly long walk before the procedure to make sure your dog is completely “empty.”
Aside from that, you’ll want to keep everything as normal as possible so that your pup goes into the office relaxed and happy.
Both procedures occur under general anesthesia and take 20 to 90 minutes, although your dog will probably be at the vet for several hours to allow time for pre-op prep and post-op recovery.
A combination of several different anesthesia medications are often used during the procedure to ensure your dog remains unconscious and pain-free throughout the process.
This typically involves an initial injection a short time before the operation starts, which will start calming your dog down and making him or her feel drowsy.
So Can We Replace The Testosterone
In theory, yes. However, there aren’t any licensed products in the UK, and you could be storing up problems for yourself. As we’ve seen, testosterone has complex and subtle effects on the brain, it isn’t anything like as straightforward as many people think .
The best way to get on top of any behavioural issue, in an entire or neutered dog, isn’t to mess with their hormones, but to seek a referral to a properly qualified canine behaviourist. If you’ve got a problem, talk to your vet who will be able to arrange a referral for you!
Do Male Dogs Experience Mood Changes After Being Neutered
As we mentioned before, the primary benefits of having your male dog neutered lie in an overall reduction of the odds that they develop a wide range of canine cancers. While male dogs who are neutered do experience an increase in aggressive behaviors right after the procedure, neutering can make them much less aggressive over time. In fact, neutering has bee proven to create a much happier and calmer male dog over time.
One of the huge determining factors as to whether your male dog will become more aggressive after being neutered is the type of breed they are. Certain dog breeds are naturally more aggressive than others, so the temporary imbalance in hormones that neutering causes can spike aggressive behaviors in male dog breeds that are predisposed to violent tendencies in the first place.
The most obvious physical change that your male dog will go through is the removal of their testicles; however, once the incision scars heal, it’s barely noticeable. Neutering your dog is great because it bolsters improved health and a longer life overall.
When Do Golden Retrievers Go Into Heat
Anything Golden Retriever TeamHealth and Care
All dogs go through it. Heat is a natural cycle for female dogs that lets them know when it’s the best time to make some puppies.
While it’s instinctive for her, it isn’t the same for you. If you want to know when your golden retriever is going into heat, you’ll have to watch for the signs.
When do Golden retrievers go into heat? Golden retrievers usually go into heat the first time when they are 10-14 months old. They will fall into a cycle that repeats itself on a pretty reliable timeline for the rest of their life. Heats tend to be between 9 or 10 months apart.
Your Golden retriever will let you know when their heat is beginning and ending. Continue reading to learn more about the cycle your dog goes through and what symptoms come along with it.
Signs Your Golden Retriever Is In Heat
As your golden retriever grows close to the age of her first heat, it’s a good idea to start watching out for the signs that it’s beginning.
The first time your dog is in the heat is not a good time for her to get pregnant, as she’s still young, so you need to keep her away from any unwanted attention during this time.
The following signs and symptoms can alert you that your dog is in heat.
Will Neutering My Male Golden Retriever Calm Him Down
No, neutering your male dog will not calm him down, but if their hyperactive behavior is down to hormones then neutering your male golden retriever should help to calm them down, however, even if neutering them calmed them down a little bit they will also need your help to calm them down.
You can learn 3 ways that will actually calm down your hyper golden retriever here along with a few expert tips that I truly believe can help.
The Cons Of Neutering Your Golden Retriever
Here are the cons of neutering your golden retriever;
First, the cons of neutering your male golden retriever
- Neutering your dog will triple the risk of obesity
- Neutered dogs could develop bone cancer
- Weight gain
- If the neuter surgery has gone wrong, your dog will be at high risk of hip dysplasia
- 1 in every 5 dogs may suffer from anesthesia after the surgery
- They will be at high risk of developing dementia
- The chance of having hypothyroidism will be high
- If the surgery was done at the wrong age it will cause more health issues
Cons of spaying your female dog
- The spaying could lead to vaginal infection or urinating tract infections
- If the spaying was done at the wrong age, it may cause more health problems
- One of the side effects of spaying your golden retriever is low thyroid level which will result in weight gain and obesity
- Spaying your golden retriever increases the risk of deadly canine cancers such as hemangiosarcoma
- If the spaying surgery was done wrong, it could risk your dog’s health with more problems such as bone cancer, urinary incontinence, and uneven bone growth.
How long does it take a male dog to recover from neutering?
Just like humans, your male dog will mostly take fourteen days to heal and they will not be able to do any activity for about a month.
How do dogs do after they get neutered?
Do dogs cry after being neutered?
Can a dog be left alone after neutering?
Where should my dog sleep after being neutered?
It Is Important To Note That Neutering And Spaying Effects Bone Growth And Cancer Rates
Neutering prior to your dogs growth plates closing can cause complications that result in hip and elbow dysplasia. Growth plates begin to close around 6 months of age. Dogs neutered before 6 months of age have a 4 to 5 times chance of developing a form of dysplasia. As for cancer, any dog who is neutered or spayed has a higher chance of cancer compared to a dog that is intact. The affects of neutering males and cancer rates are not as evident as compared to females. With spayed females there is a 3 to 4 times increase of chance in developing some form of cancer.
For me though, reading the results isn’t just enough. When I looked at their charts, it showed that if a female is spayed prior to 6 months, she has a less increase of cancer rates compared to 6-12 months. It isn’t until 2 years of age, that the chance of cancer rates drops again nearing intact levels. However, if a female is spayed before 6 months then we know she will likely develop a form of dysplasia. We have to consider which one is worse, and quality of life is then important to consider.
Disadvantages Of Tubal Ligation Hysterectomy Or Not Spaying Your Dog
An OHE eliminates most, if not all, of the female hormone production. In so doing, the real advantages of this procedure are realized. In human cases, great efforts are undertaken to maintain or restore hormone production in the body, but the same is only rarely true in canine practice. These hormones play key roles in reproduction in the dog. However, they can also have many unwanted side effects.
Estrus: During the heat cycle there are behavior and hygienic problems that develop. Females in heat will actively search out male dogs and may attempt to escape from the house or yard, putting them in the danger of traffic, fights with other animals, etc.
Often there is a sudden influx of male dogs around the home and yard. These dogs leave numerous droppings and spray plants and trees with urine in an attempt to mark their new found territory. Owners also need to contend with the vaginal bleeding that typically lasts for 4 to 13 days.
Mammary cancer: Estrogen is one of the primary causes of canine mammary cancer, the most common malignant tumor in dogs. Animals that are spayed prior to one year of age very rarely develop this malignancy.
Spaying a dog before her first heat is the best way to significantly reduce the chance your dog will develop mammary cancer. The risk of malignant mammary tumors in dogs spayed prior to their first heat is 0.05%. It is 8% for dog spayed after one heat, and 26% in dogs spayed after their second heat.
In Spaying A Labrador Retriever
Spaying a Labrador Retriever bitch is a recommended course of action for all Lab owners.
The procedure has positive implications for both the dog’s health and also the troublesome issue of unwanted pets.
In this article expert vets from Drs Foster & Smith take a very in-depth look at the issues surrounding spaying a Labrador Retriever and other dogs and also discuss the many advantages and benefits in carrying out the procedure.
Two Weeks After And Beyond
In all likelihood, you won’t notice any behavioral or personality changes in your dog, says Lund, though altered hormone levels may make some pets less aggressive or territorial. If your female dog gains weight after spaying, that could be due to overfeeding and lack of exercise — not the surgery.
Your dog will go about his life just as before, but without the risks associated with reproduction.
Spaying Your Female Dog: What You Should Know
Preventing animal overpopulation through spaying female dogs is an important part of responsible dog ownership, yet many people hesitate when it comes to this critical procedure. After all, the thought of your favorite dog undergoing surgery is bound to cause some anxiety. Fortunately, you can alleviate your concerns by understanding the benefits that spaying provides for your pet’s long-term health along with what to expect when you take your dog to the vet for spaying.
When To Spay And Neuter Golden Retrievers
In recent years there have been newer recommendations put out for large breed dogs, including Golden Retrievers, on when to spay and neuter. Now it is recommended that you wait until your Golden is at least 18 months old before spaying or neutering them.
The reason to wait until your Golden is at least 18 months old prior to spaying or neutering is to ensure they have a chance to fully go through their version of puberty. A recent suggests this can decrease the risks of bone and joint abnormalities as your Golden grows.
The information from this study came from the on-going Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, supported by the Morris Animal Foundation. If you are interested in contributing to the research helping to understand the development of cancer and other health conditions in Golden Retrievers, you can voluntarily participate in this study with your dog.
Up until recently, it was recommended that dogs be spayed and neutered before they are able to reproduce. For female dogs, this means before they go into their first heat cycle.
In addition to preventing your dog from getting pregnant, another reason it was highly recommended to spay before their first heat cycle was to prevent mammary cancer. Studies have shown that spaying your dog prior to their first heat cycle can drastically decrease the risk of them developing mammary cancer later in life.
Ideal Age To Spay Female Golden Retrievers
Determining the best time to spay female Golden retrievers is pretty tricky. Female Goldens’ sexual hormones play a massive role in supporting their growth and healthy development. When they are fixed, they no longer receive these hormones, which can have a serious negative impact on their health and well being !
Therefore, some vets and researchers recommend that you don’t spay female Goldens at all. However, if leaving your female Golden retriever intact isn’t a possibility for you, Dr. Benjamin L. Hart recommends that you wait at least one year before spaying them. If you choose to fix your female dogs, make sure to take them in for regular vet visits to assure that they remain happy and healthy.
As always, if you have any questions, make sure to consult your local veterinarian professionals, as they will be able to help you determine whether or not spaying is proper for you and your Golden retriever.
How Much Shall I Pay For This Procedure
We can’t talk of a specific figure regarding neutering or spaying since the cost varies depending on the breed of your dog and the vet. But on average the fee may range from $50 to $175.
Castrating female dogs is more costly than neutering male dogs since the former will involve surgery of internal organs. The age and size of the dog also matter. For example, large dogs require more anesthesia, and the surgery takes longer.
If you wantto get a better price when castrating your dog, you can contact animalcharities that offer the procedure for free or at discounted prices.
When Should You Neuter Your Female Golden Retriever
The perfect age to neuter your female dog is around 8-10 months after their first heat cycle because their sexual hormones have a very important role in helping them grow in the proper way.
Some of the female golden retrievers can go into their heat early, even before they’re six months of age, so in that time make sure to look after your dog to notice any sudden changes in their behaviors that indicate they are looking for a mate.
Should You Wait Till Two Years Of Age
Breeder EducationPuppy Education
One of the questions I’m always asked is when to have your golden retriever neutered or spayed. For so long, in the breeder community and beyond, the answer was as soon as possible. Mostly this answer stems from shelters trying to prevent overpopulation and euthanization. Recent studies suggest a different view because early neutering comes at a cost with disregard to the health of the puppy
First and foremost I am not a veterinarian. So I am not offering a medical perspective, rather my observations. A new study was done recently by UC Davis. The article by UC Davis is titled Neutering health effects more severe for golden retrievers than Labradors. The actual study results are found here: Long-Term Health Effects of Neutering Dogs
Care For Your Dog After Neutering Or Spaying To Ensure Speedy Healing
The good news is most dogs recover quickly after they are spayed or neutered. Follow these six helpful tips to care for your dog after neutering or spaying and ensure a speedy recovery.
Amy Davis loves her pets. She has a diverse variety including two cats, one dog, three rabbits, two guinea pigs, a rat, and a beautiful macaw. She loves writing about everything pet-related and spends as much time as she can sharing her personal experiences on her blog Ultimate Pet Hub.
*DogsBestLife.com participates in the Chewy Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to let our site earn fees by linking to Chewy.com.
-
Spaying, neutering dogs include health benefits for your dog and…
The Adverse Health Effects Of Early Spay And Neuter In Golden Retrievers
Most of us are bombarded with messages about taking the socially correct actions and that includes early spay and neuter of our dogs.But we need to be aware that early spay and neuter can leave dogs with their long-term health impaired and in the case of Golden Retrievers, it significantly increases the likelihood they will die of hemangiosarcoma, one of the most common types of cancer in Goldens.
In Sweden spaying and neutering is against the law, under the animal cruelty ordinances. It is a very uncommon practice in Western Europe and yet there is no animal overpopulation problem in those countries. The reason is responsibility. Puppies are produced either because people breed dogs on purpose, whether or not they should be doing so. Or we get puppies from accidental breedings because owners were not knowledgeable or did not pay attention. Since you are reading this website we assume you are responsible and are trying to learn about how to best acquire and care for a Golden Retriever.
Benefits Of Spay & Neuter
Our vets know that you may not feel like it at the moment, but going through the emotional process of having your dog spayed or neutered is worth it, both for you as a loving pet parent, and for your canine companion.
Having your dog ‘fixed’ can help to curb undesirable behaviors such as roaming, mounting and animal aggression. Spaying and neutering may also offer your dog a number of health benefits including a decreased risk of some serious illnesses, as well as preventing unwanted puppies.
An estimated 3.3 million dogs enter shelters every year! By having your dog spayed or neutered you are doing your bit to help reduce the overall number of unwanted pets in your neighborhood.
Check For Signs Of Infection
You must check for any , and call your veterinarian if you notice anything out of the ordinary. Your pet could have sutures that you can see on their skin and around the wound.
Keep an eye out for redness and swelling of any kind. It’s not uncommon for a dog to develop an infection after the operation, so if you notice anything odd call you vet immediately.