Pekingese Neutering
Neutering your Pekingese has many pros and cons. While the term neutering is most commonly associated with castrating a male dog, neutering also can be the term applied to sterilizing both males and females. An owner must always give thoughtful consideration to the process of neutering, thoroughly weighing both the pluses and minuses.
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Function
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Neutering sterilizes the Pekingese and prevents the dog from breeding. With the overpopulation of dogs becoming a national crisis, neutering is almost always recommended by veterinarians and breed-organizations unless the dog is of excellent show quality.
Benefits
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Neutered--or castrated--males display fewer undesirable hormone-driven behaviors. He will be less likely mark his territory with urine and is less likely to fight. Neutered males often are more affectionate and gentle, and they do not have the urge to roam in search of a mate. According to the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center, a male neutered prior to puberty also may grow larger than a male neutered post-puberty due to testosterone playing a vital role in stopping growth.
Neutered--or spayed--females also can benefit greatly from the procedure. Spaying is done by a procedure called ovariohysterectomy. The risk of several diseases, such as uterine cancers and ovarian cysts, is eliminated because they no longer have these organs. She also is likely to become a calmer dog due to the elimination of her heat cycles.
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Warning
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All surgical procedures present a certain amount of risk. The practice of sterilization today is very common and the risk of complication is low.
Sterilization of both males and females may cause weight gain, although this is debatable among medical professionals. Proper diet and exercise combat weight gain effectively. Females may experience urinary incontinence following the procedure, and males have a slightly elevated risk of prostate cancer.
Procedures
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Ovariohysterectomy is the removal of the ovaries and uterus of a female. The procedure is done with an incision in the abdomen and can vary in the amount of time required. Various factors decide how soon she can go home after the surgery.
Castration is achieved by making an incision near the scrotum and physically removing the testicles. He may or may not have stitches after the procedure and is generally able to go home soon after the surgery.
A male Pekingese also is physically altered due to the testicles being removed. Testicular implants are available, although with the short stature and long coat of the Pekingese, his testicles are not as obvious as other breeds.
Expert Insight
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There is an increase of purebred dogs, such as the Pekingese, being surrendered to shelters. According to the Humane Society of the United States, approximately half of the estimated 6- to 8-million animals admitted to shelters are euthanized. Spaying or neutering your Pekingese can help to keep unwanted animals out of shelters.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends thoroughly evaluating a dog before breeding. Only the best specimens of each breed should be considered for producing quality show dogs and pets.
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References
- Photo Credit Portrait of pretty pekingese dog image by Stana from Fotolia.com
