Neutering your dog is good

January 6, 3:57 PMLA Small Dogs ExaminerJohnny Ortez

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Neutering your dog is loving your dog. In my experience I know most dog owners recognize the right thing to do is to neuter and spay our dogs, but for some reason we resist. This article is coming from a very personal place for me. I did not neuter Rufus, my red smooth miniature dachshund, until he was 3 years old and as I look back I can tell you there was no good reason to wait.

Rufus did not hump our legs or the furniture. He was not aggressive in general or with other dogs, even when other dogs were aggressive towards him because he was intact. I fooled myself by saying that since there was not an immediate and obvious need to do it, I could wait. What was I waiting for? I know today that my resistance selfishly had much more to do with me than Rufus. I would hide behind the excuse that I am responsible dog owner and Rufus would never get out and accidentally in pregnant some bitch. Truth be told, my crystal ball broke a long time ago and I have no idea what the future will hold for Rufus and myself so I might as well eliminate the risk, no matter how small I believed it to be.

I suspect both men and women will end up reading this story, but for a minute I want to speak specifically to the fellas. Neutering our dogs does not make them or us any less of a male or masculine. I know it may sounds strange to some but my struggle to neuter Rufus is not unique; I am writing this article to assert that neutering and spaying our dogs is the right choice.

Many dog owners love their dogs and it is common to want puppies. Everyone loves a puppy. I have heard people say, “We just want one litter and then we will get him fixed.” However, I do not think people really understand what they are saying. In Los Angeles it is illegal to breed dogs without a license. Moreover, it is a huge and costly undertaking to successfully breed dogs and then properly and permanently place them in loving forever homes. Quality responsible breeders, and not backyard breeders experimenting or trying to turn a profit, will always accept their dogs back.

Neutering our dogs helps them with their focus which in turn makes them easier to train. Neutering our dogs also helps to deter marking and lessens the risk for testicular and prostate cancer and other diseases. I always thought Rufus was a sweet dog before he was neutered, and it was hard to imagine that he could be any sweeter. I was wrong. After he was neutered Rufus seemed less frustrated and more focused on me which naturally strengthened our bond.

The other excuse owners sometimes cite for the delay in neutering or spaying their dogs is the cost. It can be expensive. Some vets will happily charge $300 or more for neutering or spaying, depending on the use of an IV, pulling baby teeth and other amenities. Luckily for Los Angeles residence we have some city services available to help us.

The Los Angeles Department of Animal Services offer a free certificate spay/neuter program to qualified residents and discount coupons. The $30 coupons are available to all residents via several rescue organizations, these same organizations can often make vet recommendations for the procedure, not all veterinaries charge the same rates. Prices range between $40 to $300+.

The free certificate program is a limited amount of certificates distributed monthly on a first come and first serve basis at all six animal care centers and at a number of partner organizations. The certificates are good only at a handful of participating veterinaries and are meant for low-income households, the elderly or disabled. If you show up and request a certificate at the beginning of the month when they first arrive the centers seemingly disburse them more freely to residences. I believe they are more committed to getting all of our dogs neutered or spayed above all else. If someone shows up attempting to be a responsible dog owner it has been my experience that the agencies are supportive. One can also inquire about other free or discounted sterilization services the city may recommend. Where there is a will there is a way. 

Owning a dog is a financial and emotional commitment for the duration of the dog’s life. We accept these obligations when we take possession of our dogs. If you are not a licensed breeder or competitively showing your dog, please do the right thing and neuter or spay your dog. It is in the best interest of the dog, and it is law in Los Angeles. As a first-time parent I made a mistake. I waited. I am proud that I finally did the right thing, and I surrendered my personal issues and put Rufus’ happiness and health first. I hope anyone out there on the fence about neutering or spaying their dog will do the right thing. Not many things in life are as black and white as this issue, but with millions of homeless dogs this one is. Do it!
 

Rufus recovering from his surgery.

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