Benefits and drawbacks of neutering Golden Retrievers

Benefits and disadvantages of neutering Golden Retrievers:

Benefits of neutering Golden Retrievers:

1. Control of puppy birth rates. Neutering dogs can effectively reduce the birth rate of puppies and prevent abandonment due to excessive reproduction. By controlling the overall number of dogs, neutering can reduce the chances of pets being abandoned or sent to shelters.

2. Prevention of false pregnancy in female dogs. Some female dogs may exhibit symptoms of pregnancy even without mating during their heat cycle, such as abdominal swelling, swollen nipples, and even milk production. This can affect the physical health of dogs, but this problem can be avoided through neutering.

3. Reduced likelihood of prostate diseases in male dogs. Un-neutered male dogs may develop prostatic hyperplasia as they age, which can lead to difficulties in urination when the enlargement of the prostate compresses the intestines. In severe cases, it can cause infections. Neutering can reduce the occurrence of these diseases.

Disadvantages of neutering Golden Retrievers:

1. Tripled chance of obesity in neutered dogs. Obesity can lead to arthritis, heart diseases, pancreatitis, and other conditions. After neutering, if the owner continues to feed the same amount of food as before, the dog is more likely to gain weight. This is because the hormone metabolism of neutered dogs changes, and they no longer need as much food.

2. Increased risk of vascular tumors. Vascular tumors usually occur in the heart and spleen. Neutered dogs have twice the chance of developing splenic vascular tumors compared to un-neutered dogs, and the likelihood of developing cardiac vascular tumors is four times higher.

3. Tripled chance of developing hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism can cause obesity, lethargy, and hair loss, but these symptoms can be controlled with daily thyroid medications.