Should Dogs with Partners Still Be Sterilized?

It's important to neuter dogs even if they have a mate, as male dogs can become particularly aggressive during their heat cycles. They often exhibit sudden changes in behavior, becoming unusually anxious and excited. Even with a partner at home, they may engage in numerous unwanted behaviors and are at a high risk of escaping. Below, we'll delve into the necessity of neutering dogs.

The Necessity of Dog Neutering

1. Preventing Unwanted Breeding

Most dogs reach sexual maturity around 8 months of age, making them capable of breeding. Female dogs typically go into heat twice a year, while males can experience heat multiple times annually, leading to at least twenty heat cycles in a dog's lifetime. Male dogs, in particular, can become extremely aggressive during their heat cycles, becoming overly excited and irritable. Even with a mate at home, they might still wander off, urinate in various places to mark their territory, and potentially mate with multiple females. Since male dogs do not stop mating after a single encounter, they are driven to pass on their genes as frequently as possible. Therefore, even with a mate, dogs cannot be completely prevented from heatrelated behaviors, and they may still engage in unwanted mating. It's crucial to keep a close eye on them to prevent such occurrences.

2. Avoiding Uncontrolled Breeding

Dogs have a short gestation period of just two months, meaning that after mating, pet owners can expect a litter of puppies in just over two months. These puppies can reach sexual maturity at around 8 months, which means if their numbers are not controlled, they can reproduce unchecked, leading to a rapid increase in the dog population. Even if pet owners have the financial means, they may not have the resources or time to care for such a large number of dogs.

Moreover, have pet owners considered the impact of frequent breeding on the health and longevity of female dogs? Multiple pregnancies can take a toll on their health, especially if they occur frequently. A healthy adult female dog should not have more than two litters per year. It is generally recommended to spay a female dog around the age of 3 to prevent further breeding, as repeated pregnancies can weaken their bodies, lower their immune systems, and lead to a decline in overall health. Additionally, frequent breeding can affect the appearance and health of puppies, making them more susceptible to developmental issues and reducing their survival rates.

For the health and longevity of dogs, and to prevent an outofcontrol dog population, it is advisable to neuter dogs, even if they have a mate, at the appropriate time.