Takes Balls to Neuter Your Dog

by Syd Sullins

For those of us in rescue, we don’t really understand peoples' hesitancy to spay or neuter, but we sure run into resistance.

Just last week a woman brought in an adorable chihuahua pup that she wanted us to place. We were willing to put the dog on the wait list, but once she learned that we would neuter the dog, the deal was off. She didn’t want him to have the surgery.

The reason to spay females is abundantly clear. Number one being to prevent unwanted litters and the suffering puppies as the end result. But why not males? Here’s some common reasons we’ve heard:

1) My pet will get fat and lazy.
This possible issue is easily managed with proper nutrition and exercise.

2) We love the dog so much we want another pet just like him.
Breeding two purebred animals rarely results in offspring that are exactly like one of the parents.

3) My pet's personality will change.
Any change will be for the better. After being altered, your pet will be less aggressive toward other dogs or cats, have a better personality, and will be less likely to wander. Spraying (urine marking), which is often done by dogs and cats to mark their territory, diminishes or ceases after pets are altered.

4) We can sell puppies or kittens and make money.
We really hate to hear this excuse!!!! It’s impossible, especially here in Mexico, to properly take care of the pups by treating them for parasites and getting them vaccinated, and make a profit for the little price you would get. So those who do try to make a few pesos by selling their litters, are very likely selling pups with health issues.

5) I am concerned about my pet undergoing anesthesia.
Placing a pet under anesthesia is a very common concern of owners. Although there is always a slight risk involved, the anesthetics currently used by veterinarians are very safe. Many veterinarians use equipment that monitors heart and respiratory rates during surgery to ensure that their patients are doing well under anesthesia. Thus, the medical benefits of having your pet spayed or neutered far outweigh the slight risk involved with undergoing anesthesia. Consult your veterinarian if your are concerned about this aspect of the procedure.

6) The Mexican culture of machismo.
This one is especially exasperating for us. While I do feel this culture is improving and we are seeing more Mexican men bringing in their male dogs for neutering, it is still an issue - one that’s especially difficult for us ex-pats to understand.

So please, let’s encourage all our friends and neighbors to get their boys in for the surgery! It will mean a much improved future for them.