Castration – Neutering is the surgical procedure which removes a dogs testicles (or testes).

Castration and Dog Behavior

Testosterone a steroid hormone is produced in testicles, as dogs grow, during their adolescence (6-18 months) the levels of this hormone increase such that secondary sex-related characteristics become more evident. These include mounting, leg lifting and higher levels of aggression. Removal of the testes reduces the production of testosterone and hence sex-related behaviors.

Castration and Aggression towards Humans

Aggressiveness is one of the greatest concern. There are various reasons for aggression and these also vary from dog to dog. Understanding these reasons, their causes and symptoms require the experience of a trained behaviorist. Often it is as a result of the dog attempting to gain a higher rank within its pack (which includes your family). This is known as dominance aggression and surveys have shown that this form of aggression is more common in entire males than castrated males. In such cases, Vet or behaviorist may recommend castration as part of a behavior program to tackle this form of aggression.
On the other hand, dog’s discomfort with a particular situation or circumstance may result in fear or nervous aggression. There can be a number of reasons for this, but lack of socialization during ‘puppyhood’ is usually the main cause. In such cases, a behavior modification program is unlikely to include castration.

Castration and Aggression towards other Dogs

Aggression between dogs is most often either fear aggression or dominance aggression. Fear aggression may be the result of a previous experience of being attacked, or because they feel they are unable to escape a particular situation. In the latter case, dogs are more likely to display fear aggression whilst on lead as opposed to being off lead. Canine castration would not be a part of resolving aggression caused by fear.
Castration may be recommended where aggression between dogs is orientated towards other males and where fear aggression has been ruled out. Castration may reduce the desire to dominate and reduce overall aggression thresholds. Additionally, castrated dogs smell less masculine and are less likely to be the focus of aggressive intentions by other dogs.

Castration and Dog’s Behavior

Castrated dogs smell different and can become the focus of attention from other males. This is particularly evident in recently castrated dogs.
Contrary to popular belief, there is no evidence that castration causes a dog to put on weight. It is true that after castration dogs can have an increased appetite and will eat more food if given. Hence the overweight is often due to overfeeding rather than the effects of castration.
Castration does not affect an owner’s ability to train their dog. In fact, many find castrated dogs are less distracted and easier to train

Alternatives to Castration

Some owners mistakenly believe that allowing their dog to mate will reduce their dog’s frustrations and consequently ease behavioral problems. This is not the case and in many cases, things can get worse as the dog's interest in females and sense of status increases further.
Hormone treatments prescribed by vets can be beneficial in tackling behavior problems. They are normally in tablet or injection form and are a useful way of modifying behavior while other behavior improvement tactics are employed.

Advantages of Castration

There are several advantages of castration such as
•    It eliminates the reproduction potential
•    It reduces sexual activity
•    It reduces a tendency to roam and fight
•    It reduces the general level of aggression
•    It eliminates the chances of testicular cancer
•    It resolves disease of the prostate gland

Disadvantages to castration

There are very few disadvantages to having dog castrated, it is a quick, safe and routine procedure, and there are no risks to pet though having low testosterone levels. Some of the disadvantages are

• Unable to breed from the dog.  Castration is not a reversible procedure.
• The dog will undergo a general anesthetic.  General anesthetics are very safe, especially in young dogs, but all involve some risk, however low, to pet.  If you have any concerns, you should talk to vet.

Postoperative care

• The most important thing you can do after dog’s surgery is to keep him rested.  Lead only exercise until the stitches are out is advisable.
• The scrotum is very sensitive and can easily bruise or swell.  Sometimes it can become so swollen it looks like a dog hasn’t been castrated!  Again rest is important to prevent this from happening.
• It is also important he doesn’t bother with the wound by scratching or licking at it.  This will cause it to become inflamed, painful and possibly infected.
• If you think the dog may bother with the wound, the Vet should be able to provide you with a ‘buster collar’, this is a lamp-shade collar which will mean he cannot reach it.
• A vet should book at least one postoperative check-up to ensure things are healing properly.  However, if you are concerned at all, you should seek veterinary advice immediately.

Castration myths

Castration will make my dog fat

+ FALSE – the castrating dog will slow down his metabolism and may make him less active.  However, this is easily compensated for by cutting down on his food intake. It is overheating, not castration which makes neutered dogs overweight!

Castration is unnatural

+ FALSE – Often, the way our dogs live these days is unnatural, with little contact with other dogs and in a family unit.  Entire males can find this frustrating, especially if they are of a dominant character or they live near entire females.

Castration will change my dog's personality

+ FALSE – this is not the case, and often, castrated males can make better pets as they are less prone to aggression and mood swings.

Castration Age

Most of the veterinarians agree that the best age for castration is between 6-12 months of age. At this age, the procedure is very low risk and easy to perform. Early castration is the responsible thing to do. It could save the dog's life and make him a much more desirable housemate.

Castration Instrument Kit

Medical Tools 23 Pcs professional quality Medical Tools Male Dog Castration – Neutering Kit contains all necessary tools to perform the complete procedure. All Tools are made from Surgical Grade stainless steel and used by professionals

Kit Includes following Instruments

•    Olsen Hagar Needle Holder 16cm TC 01 Pcs
•    Kelly Forceps 14cm Straight 02 Pcs
•    Kelly Forceps 14cm Curved 02 Pcs
•    Mayo Scissors 15cm Straight TC 01 Pcs
•    Mosquito Forceps 12.5cm Straight 02 Pcs
•    Mosquito Forceps 12.5cm Curved 02 Pcs
•    Dressing Forceps 16cm 02 Pcs
•    Tissue Forceps 16cm 1:2 02 Pcs
•    Scalpel Handle #3 01 Pcs
•    Scalpel Handle Blades 04 Pcs
•    Backhaus Towel Forceps 11cm 04 Pcs
•    Adson Forceps 12cm 01 Pcs
•    Adson Forceps 12cm 1:2 01 Pcs
•    Adson-Brown Forceps 12cm 7:7 01 Pcs
•    Snook Hook 20cm 01 Pcs