[harleynstorm]

I have a one year old dobie and we didn't get him fixed because he was the only dog and is inside unless he is supervised. We recently got a female dobie. I was wondering if it mattered and what kind of affects it would have on him with him being his age. I understand that he is still a pup, mainly I would like to know what changes he will go through after he is fixed. I definetly want to get him fixed b/c I don't want puppies later on. I also have another question. He has only one testicle, the vet told me that it could cause health problems later when he gets older. Is this true? Also what are the benefits of getting him fixed or not getting him fixed?

[Snowshoe]

Neutering your pet will calm him down.

It will also reduce his likleyhood of cancer (obviously, if he does not have testicles, then he cannot get testicular cancer. Same with spaying- if your bitch doesn't have a uterus, she can't get uterine cancer).

Also, if your dogs can't breed, then neither of them can get venereal diseases. Yes, dogs can get STDs, just like people.

Other then that, he won't know the difference. It won't reduce his drive, and unlike what some will tell you, it won't make him fat.

If you exercise him well, he shouldn't get fat, neutered or not.

In my opinion, you probably want to get both of your pets speutered (i took that from somone else, don't remember who now).

[harleynstorm]

when you get a female fixed does she still have her little period?

[nicole84]

Originally Posted by harleynstorm

when you get a female fixed does she still have her little period?

No, just has a women who has had a radical hystrorectomy they no longer get periods.

[Curbside Prophet]

Originally Posted by harleynstorm

when you get a female fixed does she still have her little period?

Another benefit to spay...no clean-up.

[Dogged]

Your veterinarian has been very remiss in not strongly recommending to you that you get this dog neutered. Dogs that have one or both testicles that are undescended are at increase risk of that undescended testicle becoming cancerous. Much more than regular dogs.

It is recommended to neuter your dog to avoid testicular cancer, prostate problems and cancer, and perianal tumors and cancer (tumors around the anus). It usually prevents aggression problems too, not to mention preventing unwanted litters since there are already so many unwanted dogs at the pound being euthanized every day.

There are just as many benefits for your female. If she is spayed before her first heat, you can almost completely prevent breast cancer later in life. Also pyometra a life threatening uterine infection is not a threat anymore if she is spayed.

[tirluc]

my male was neutered at 8 mo b/c of a retained testicle as well as HD and i'm glad we did it then as the testicle was already in bad shape....if we had waited much longer it could have caused major problems that would have required major surgery....get him done now and make sure your vet "retrieves" the retained testicle as well.....

[harleynstorm]

thanks to everyone for the info.