Today’s post is going to be quick and simple. The anti-ear cropping argument is misleading, and I think we need to talk about it.
This morning somebody started a post in a Facebook group. It was one of THOSE posts. The “this is a hot topic and the initial take on it is controversial” type of conversation that results in a lot of participation, quickly.
They started the thread with a rant about how ear cropping in dogs is painful, torture, abusive, and wrong. Let’s be honest here though, it’s not that simple.
The Anti-Ear Cropping Argument is Misleading
Ear cropping is a simple surgical procedure that is done under anesthesia, and ideally only by veterinarians who are very experienced with the process. The puppies are up playing within hours as if nothing happened. They don’t care about their missing ear flaps.
Ear cropping is less invasive than a spay or stomach tack.
If you walk around a dog show in the U.S., you’ll see hundreds of cropped dogs. The solid majority of them are among some of the most well-kept and cared for dogs in the Country. They are fed an appropriate diet and kept lean and muscular. Their nails are short. They receive a lot of training and enrichment.
Those dogs who were cropped as puppies for their breed standard are far from abused and as adults, they still don’t care about their ears.
Things That Are More Abusive Than Ear Cropping
This is why the anti-crop argument is misleading. There are many, many things happening in the world of dogs that are infinitely more harmful, abusive, and damaging than ear cropping (which is none of those things to begin with). These are the things affecting dogs and the short lives they share with us.
Let’s list them out.
Pet Obesity
Obesity is an epidemic in pets. They are overfed and under-exercised and left to rot on our couches in the name of ‘love’. Many dog owners celebrate this problem by engaging in the idea that overweight pets are cute or ‘all muscle’.
A dog that is allowed to become sedentary and obese is more likely to suffer from boredom, bladder stones, diabetes, cancer, heart problems, joint pain, joint damage, and complications associated with anesthesia.
But let’s keep talking about ear cropping…
Poor Grooming Habits
From pelted Doodles to eagle talons for nails, poor husbandry is epidemic in pets.
The solid majority of pet owners are neglecting at least one of these things. If we want to cry ‘abuse and torture’, let’s please start with basic care items. Not ear cropping.
They chew up the couch to satisfy these missing needs, and when the owners find the mess the dog is often met with the harsh, abusive training tactics listed above. People pull out their phones and take “funny” videos of their “guilty” dog, who is literally just terrified that their owner has turned into an intimidating monster.
So many others are also shocked when at 9 months of age, their sweet 80 pound puppy is pulling them all over the place and lunging at dogs. How could this happen, their dog had “graduated” puppy class and spent time at the dog park for socialization!?
Dogs are living their lives in our homes, often offered little more than a 15 minute walk each day where they are expected to move by our side on pavement and not sniff, explore, run, dig, or climb.
But let’s keep talking about how ear cropping is “abuse”.
Holistic Woo & Anti-Veterinarian Belief Systems
There is nothing wrong with taking a holistic approach to pet care, if you honor the original intent of the world (to address the whole body, and that means utilizing every tool available for health including science).
However, pet owners who walk down the path of disregarding science, modern medicine, and veterinarians in the name of being ‘holistic’ as it’s been defined by a few predatory influencers, are treading in dangerous, neglectful, and often abusive territory.
It is not ok to let a dog suffer in the name of ‘holistic’ treatments. Essential oils don’t cure everything and may be toxic. Broken bones cannot be healed with mud baths and Reiki. Pumpkin seeds are not going to prevent or cure heartworms.
Veterinarians are not money-hungry shills for “big food & big pharma”. These conspiracies are wild and extremely harmful to our pets.
Unethical Breeders & Unethical Rescues
Among the most harmful practices in the world of dogs, far worst than a simple ear-crop procedure, are the poor ethics of so many breeders and rescues.
Skipping health testing, breeding dogs with poor temperaments and structure, telling owners that the dog will be hypoallergenic and family-friendly because it’s a ‘doodle’, and giving puppy buyers unscientific advice about vaccines and nutrition are abhorrent.
What about the rescues that adopt known-aggressive dogs out to unsuspecting and underprepared owners? Or the ones who buy entire litters of cute puppies at auctions and sell them as ‘rescue dogs’ or ‘meat trade dogs’?
But ear-cropping is torture and abuse, got it.
You Don’t Have to Like Ear Cropping
My Great Danes have intact ears. I’ll probably never choose to crop a puppy. I can respect pro-crop dog owners’ choices and have dogs with intact ears at the same time.
Most Great Danes keep their natural ears. Some don’t, and that’s ok as long as the procedure was done in an informed manner by a highly skilled and experienced veterinarian.
I think it’s important when throwing around words such as “abuse” and “torture” that we are being realistic. If ear cropping is defined by those terms, it is implied that spaying/neutering or any other simple, common surgical procedure is also abuse and torture.
We have SO many other things in the world of dogs to concern ourselves with; I’ll never understand why so much time and effort is wasted on inflammatory, misleading, and incorrect remarks about a procedure most dog owners know little to nothing about.
When considering anesthesia for your pet, it is important to weigh the risks and benefits. Anesthesia does have some risks associated with it that must be considered before making a decision.
Much like humans, our canine companions sometimes require medical procedures that necessitate the use of anesthesia. While the thought of our furry friends under sedation can be a source of anxiety, modern veterinary practices and advancements in anesthesia protocols have significantly enhanced the safety of these procedures.
Key points in this article:
Veterinary anesthesia does have its risks but has higher risks for dogs of certain ages, certain breeds, and dogs with a specific medical history
Knowing your pet’s medical history and doing a thorough exam before anesthetic drugs can reduce the risk of anesthesia
General anesthesia is a necessary part of most dogs (if not all) dogs lives and despite anesthetic risk, general anesthesia can be done in a safe and managed way
Is Anesthesia in Dogs Safe?
Your pet’s safety is your number one concern when you hear that they are going to be needing any medical procedure, especially one that might require dog anesthesia.
The Highest Standards of Clinical Practice of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia are “experts at assessment and mitigation of anesthetic risks, delivery of anesthetic and analgesic drugs, maintaining and monitoring physiologic well-being of the anesthetized patient, and providing the highest levels of perioperative patient care including pain management.” -College of Veterinary Anesthesia.
Anesthesia can come with certain risks depending on your dog’s age, breed, and your pet’s health. However, the risks of anesthesia can be mitigated with processes that can be done to avoid complications.
Ten Considerations to Think About When Your Dog Might Require Anesthesia
Any dog owner who wants to keep their pet healthy should learn about the risks of anesthesia as well as the benefits that the surgical procedures that are required by their veterinarian’s instructions.
Going into general anesthesia for your dog uninformed is never a good idea, but there are some considerations that you should think about before the procedure. Being informed will give you peace of mind before the surgery.
One: Your Dog’s Age
Age: Older dogs are generally more at risk of complications related to anesthesia due to their weaker bodies and less tolerance for drugs.
However, a common ‘myth’ or ‘fear-inducing’ statement is that senior dogs are unable to handle anesthesia as they are ‘too high risk’.
Being a senior dog is not a disease, and anesthetic gas is not a death sentence just because of your dog’s age. With proper monitoring and a well-thought-out anesthetic plan, almost all elderly dogs can safely receive anesthesia.
The anesthetic risk for a senior typically outweighs the benefit of the procedure that they require, despite age.
Two: What Breed is Your Dog?
Breed: Certain breeds can have higher risks than others due to genetic predispositions towards respiratory issues like brachycephalic breeds (think: pugs and Bulldogs).
It is important to inform your vet of your dog’s breed before any procedure involving anesthesia so that they can account for this risk and ensure a safe anesthetic experience.
If you have a breed of dog that is possibly at a higher risk of dog anesthesia causing complications, it is very important to find a veterinarian anesthesiologist who is experienced in dealing with that specific breed.
Three: Understand Your Dog’s Health History
Health History: A thorough physical exam and health history should be taken before any anesthetic procedure is performed on your dog. This could be the most important part of avoiding anesthesia complications.
Any medical issues that your dog has had in the past should be discussed before undergoing anesthesia.
This includes previous surgeries, allergies, any kind of chronic illness or recent trauma, as well as any medications that your pet is taking. All of this information will help the veterinarian to determine many of the procedures that they will or will not do for your dog during their procedure.
Blood Tests
Taking a sample of your pet’s blood should be a non-negotiable before giving any anesthesia.
Coagulation issues, organ health, and electrolyte issues can be detected ahead of time by a simple blood test.
All too many times a dog presents ‘fine’ under a physical examination, but could show underlying health issues in the blood work that must be addressed before administering anesthetic or sedation.
A simple test of your dog’s blood could save so many anesthesia-related deaths when it is not the anesthesia that is the problem at all.
Four: What Procedure is Your Dog Getting?
Next, it is important to weigh the pros of the surgery required against the cons of the anesthesia.
For example, if your dog is requiring a major procedure then the benefits of anesthesia far outweigh any risks associated with it for quality of life and overall pain relief.
However, if your pet is only having a minor procedure and the risk for complications due to anesthesia is high, then it might be worth considering other options such as local and regional blocks that can help to minimize any risks related to general anesthesia.
Typically, a quality veterinarian who performs ethical veterinary medicine, will not suggest performing general anesthesia for elective procedures that are not required or that will not better the life of your dog/alleviate pain or otherwise improve the quality of their life.
Five: Know What Anesthesia Your Dog Will Be Given
Knowing what anesthesia will be given is essential for knowing what to watch out for in terms of side effects and complications.
Each type of anesthesia agent has its own set of risks and benefits, so it is important to discuss with your veterinarian which agent they feel would be best suited for your dog’s needs.
Additionally, certain breeds of dogs can be very sensitive to certain anesthesia, such as brachycephalic breeds that often have a difficult time with inhalant anesthetics.
Lastly, being aware of the different types and doses of anesthetic agents will help you to know what to watch out for if your dog experiences any unexpected side effects or complications during post-operative pain management and recovery.
Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is usually the “safest” option for dogs. It is typically a topical gel or injection that numbs the localized area only, and it can be used to surgically remove tumors, sutures, cysts, and other small procedures.
The anesthetic agent used in local anesthesia will differ depending on the size of the procedure and the type of surgical site.
The advantage of using a mild sedative like this is that it minimizes any risks associated with general anesthesia, especially in those dogs who may be at a higher risk for complications due to anesthetic agents.
However, there are still risks associated with local anesthesia, such as potential nerve damage or serious allergic reactions.
Inhalant Anesthesia
Inhalant anesthesia is the most common form of anesthesia used in dogs and cats.
It is administered through a mask or tube, which delivers a controlled dose of anesthetic gas to your pet. (Otherwise known as a breathing tube).
The advantage of this form of anesthesia is that it can be quickly reversed and adjusted depending on how your pet reacts during the procedure.
The downside of inhalant anesthesia is that the anesthetic agents used can be quite potent and can cause side effects such as muscle tremors, slowed heart rate, or breathing difficulties in some cases.
Induction Anesthesia
Induction anesthesia is a type of general anesthesia used in dogs.
Typically, it is administered intravenously to achieve unconsciousness quickly, and then supplemented with inhalant anesthesia or other anesthetic agents until surgery is complete.
The advantage of induction anesthesia is that it can be quickly reversed if necessary, and the veterinarian can easily adjust levels of the anesthetic agent during the procedure if needed.
Pre Anesthetic Sedative
Usually, a pre-anesthetic sedative is administered before general anesthesia.
This helps your dog relax before the procedure and may help with pain relief or reduce anxiety once the anesthesia has been administered.
The dose of pre-anesthetic sedative will vary according to the size and breed of your dog, as well as their individual medical history.
Six: Have a Plan in Place Ahead of Time
After your dog has any type of anesthesia from a veterinary anesthesiologist, you will want to have a plan to manage pain and help them recover from their surgery.
Remember, your dog will not be able to feel pain during the actual veterinary anesthesia and analgesia, but you will want to have a plan for when it begins to wear off.
Pain Medication
Depending on the type of procedure, your veterinarian may choose to give your dog a combination of pain medications to help reduce the amount of post-operative pain and discomfort.
Long Acting Analgesics can be used for longer procedures that require more than one dose, or if your pet is at risk for developing chronic pain.
Monitoring
You will also want to monitor your pet closely after they return home from the vet’s office. As some anesthetics can cause delayed reactions or side effects, it is important to watch for any signs of distress such as vomiting, diarrhea, increased breathing rate or changes in behavior.
If you notice anything out of the ordinary, contact your veterinarian as they will be able to discuss with you to prevent prolonged recoveries.
Follow your veterinarian’s instructions closely and do not give your dog any over-the-counter products that you don’t pass by your vet first as it could have interactions with the gas anesthesia that was given.
Seven: The Quality of the Facility
Making sure that you choose a facility that is certified and equipped with sufficient anesthesiology equipment is another important factor to consider when selecting anesthesia for your pet.
Ask your veterinarian what type of monitoring they use during the procedure, as well as any other safety protocols they have in place to ensure that your pet remains safe while under anesthesia.
It is also helpful to ask them about the type of procedures they have to keep your dog safe and healthy before, during, and after their procedure.
Warming Blankets
Dogs who undergo anesthesia can quickly become cold and may require warming blankets or other heating devices to help keep their body temperature regulated. Your pet’s circulation is of utmost importance during the times in which they are being put under, while they are under, and while they are waking up.
Your veterinarian should be able to provide these for your pet during their procedure as well as when they are recovering from the effects of anesthesia.
With low body temperature, there can be health risks associated with anesthesia which may lead to slower recovery times or bigger complications.
Blood Pressure Monitoring
Blood pressure monitoring should be done to prevent hypotension (low blood pressure) and hypertension (high blood pressure).
Monitoring should also be done to check the oxygen saturation of your pet’s blood as well as their heart rate.
This information can help the veterinarian adjust the levels of medication used during anesthesia and make sure that your pet is safe throughout the procedure.
Eight: How Experienced is the Vet Administering the Anesthetic?
Make sure that the clinic in which you are receiving anesthesia for your pet has a certified anesthesiologist.
It is important to ask about the anesthesiologist’s experience to make sure that your pet receives the best possible care and attention during their procedure.
You can also ask about any additional qualifications or certifications the veterinarian may have which will help ensure that you are not putting your dog at high risk by opting to do surgery with a veterinarian who might not be equipped or certified to do so.
Nine: Are All Veterinary Team Members Trained in Perioperative Care?
Inquiring about the team members who will be performing the procedure, as well as their training in perioperative care, is also important.
Perioperative care includes pre-operative preparation and monitoring, intra-operative management, and post-operative recovery and observation.
Make sure that all members of the veterinary team are experienced in caring for patients undergoing anesthesia and have the necessary training to make sure that your pet receives the best possible care.
It is also helpful to ask about the ratio of veterinary staff to patients for you to be assured that there will always be someone available if any complications arise during the procedure or recovery period.
Ten: Know that Sedation and Anesthesia is Required to Keep Your Dog Healthy
Last, even though anesthesia can be scary, it is important to know that dog owners everywhere are relying on their veterinarians to take care of their dogs under anesthesia to live longer and healthier lives.
Without anesthesia, dog owners would not be able to do yearly dental procedures, undergo surgeries for medical issues, or have access to diagnostic imaging.
With proper monitoring of your dog’s vital signs, proper pre-surgery bloodwork, and a great veterinarian team, your dog can undergo anesthesia with little to no risk.
In Conclusion
By taking the time to ask lots of questions you can help make sure that anesthesia for your pet is a safe, comfortable experience.
You will also have peace of mind knowing that your pet is receiving some of the best care possible.
If you’re the owner of a Great Dane or another giant breed dog, you may be wondering if neutering will get them to chill out. Does neutering calm a dog down? W
You’ll be surprised to learn that there are many other factors at play, and when it comes to neutering your Great Dane there is a lot to consider. We will dive into this today and give you some well-researched and much-needed advice!
Intact Dog Behavior
There are many behaviors exhibited by male dogs, and in some cases, it does not matter if they are intact or not. This will provide clues to whether or not neutering is right for your dog and if it might calm them down.
I’m going to outline each situation below!
Marking Territory
Many dogs mark their territory, including females! Entire male dogs tend to do this more frequently, but it is a behavior that can be seen in both sexes.
Males will also urine-mark when they are feeling anxious or stressed.
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This is their way of trying to feel more secure in their environment.
Neutering does not necessarily change this behavior, unfortunately, as for many dogs, it’s just part of their habits and routines.
If you are having problems with your dog marking territory indoors, there are products such as belly bands that, when paired with diligent supervision and training can help with this issue.
Humping is often seen as sexual behavior or dominance, but it’s actually more of an insecurity thing.
As a matter of fact, the relationship between “humping” and “dominance” is one of the most common myths in the world of dogs!
Dogs will hump other dogs, people, inanimate objects…anything and it’s not always related to sex, hormones, or dominance.
They do this to release stress, often caused by over-excitement, nervousness, or having a too-full bucket.
This means that your dog may be experiencing a form of anxiety brought on by over-stimulation, and humping provides a natural stress release. They learn pretty quickly that it feels good and helps them release tension, which makes this a self-rewarding behavior that is hard to eliminate.
Insecure dogs tend to exhibit this behavior most often. Puppies are no exception! They may be overwhelmed by the environment.
Depending on the cause, neutering your dog may reduce the frequency with which they hump, but for many dogs, it’s not a quick fix. Many pet owners are shocked when their neutered dog still humps.
The underlying cause of the behavior must be addressed first if you want your pet to stop humping. Unfortunately, sex drive and hormones have surprisingly little to do with humping.
Helping your dog build self-confidence will be much more effective at changing your dog’s emotional state than surgical castration.
That said, neutering does have benefits and should not be overlooked.
Hormones, including testosterone in male dogs, can absolutely lead to aggression and other undesirable or even dangerous behaviors.
As a matter of fact, same-sex aggression between male dogs, especially intact male dogs, is very common.
Many intact male dogs may be fantastic around dogs and people, but he can smell an intact male a mile away. Their hackles may immediately go up at the perceived threat. The hormones start flowing and they can definitely become protective, or defensive of their space.
Displaying dominant and rude behavior towards other intact male dogs is a common problem associated with delayed neutering! It doesn’t mean that the dog is aggressive, he’s really just hormonal and acting on basic biology.
A lot of times, the reduction in testosterone level following the procedure helps to settle their minds. Neutering is an important step in any behavioral treatment program, especially for dogs who encounter other male dogs often.
Fear Aggression
Many dogs, however, are experiencing fear-based aggression. Some information suggests that hormones can cause dogs to be more timid or fearful than they would be otherwise.
Here are some common examples of this behavior:
Resource guarding (fear of losing something)
Reactivity (fear of being hurt)
Escalated fear-based aggressive reactions caused by triggers such as rude children, punitive training, or abuse
Reactivity is a common form of aggressive behavior that can easily be caused by preventable situations. Reactive dogs are often just having a hard time dealing with something in the environment.
For example, a dog may be reactive because they are on a leash and cannot properly greet dogs and people without feeling trapped. The added pressure on their restraint device (collar, harness, etc.) escalates their feelings of frustration, especially when they are around other dogs that may be showing defensive or aggressive body language.
Some dogs are reactive at the fence line for similar reasons.
That said, it’s important to realize that there are other factors at play when it comes to aggression in dogs. Neutering is not a magic bullet that will make all aggressive behaviors go away.
As a matter of fact, some studies have also shown that neutering may increase fearful and aggressive behavior in dogs with poor temperaments.
We recommend working with a highly qualified canine behaviourist to implement safe management and address your dog’s behavior if you are seeing aggressive tendencies.
Neutering your dog is only one thing to consider.
They will be able to evaluate what role hormones have played in the development of the behavior or aggressive tendencies and will be able to advise on the benefits or drawbacks of neutering.
Testosterone & fear
It’s also important to note that some people cite increased aggression after neutering their dog!
Emerging research indicates that dogs who are neutered prior to maturity (a very common practice) may actually exhibit unwanted aggression towards other dogs or people.
More research is needed, for sure. You should not be alarmed, however. While this type of behavioral change has been documented, it is unlikely that it will happen to your dog.
We do believe, however, that for health reasons related to orthopedic structure and bone growth, large and giant breed dogs should not be neutered until they are 18-24 months of age. (More on this topic below).
The benefits of waiting are currently being studied and the results look promising! Increased self-confidence and less risk of orthopedic disorders are just some of what researchers are learning.
As always, the underlying cause of a dog’s behavior should be of utmost importance; fearful and timid dogs are often that way because of genetics, and no surgical procedure is likely to fix that.
Male Dogs Chasing Female Dogs
Of course, the biggest problem with keeping an intact male dog in your house is mating!
Intact male dogs are often fixated on female dogs in heat. They will hound them relentlessly, trying to get to them in any way they can.
Their hormones will be raging; this behavior is natural biology at its finest. The humane society and other rescue organizations promote spay and neutering as a way to reduce and minimize the impact of accidental pregnancies.
Many rescue organizations offer low-cost spay and neutering programs to the community.
This mating behavior can also, unfortunately, result in broken fences, holes dug under the fence, and even physical injuries if your dog gets into a fight with another dog while he’s trying to mate.
This behavior can also be dangerous for the female dog if your male is not properly trained and supervised around her while mating.
Adolescent dogs who are immature and new to the business of making babies may be needlessly frantic and rough while mating and could hurt the female.
Many owners find it easiest (and safest) to just neuter their dogs to avoid all of these problems.
Not only that, but accidental pregnancies mean puppies. Puppies must be kept together as a litter for eight weeks; this can be time-consuming, exhausting, and expensive.
Pet owners have a responsibility to keep their intact female dogs safe from other male dogs, especially while they are in heat.
Those who own intact male dogs have an even bigger responsibility to ensure that their dog is well trained, not running off, under control, and if necessary, neutered to reduce these unwanted behaviors.
Intact male mating behaviors
If you have an intact male dog who is becoming frantic, you may have a female dog in heat nearby.
Here are some common behaviors that an intact male dog may exhibit when a female dog in heat is nearby:
Drooling
Panting
Pacing
Whining
Barking
Low appetite, including losing weight
Acting ‘out of control’
Jumping fences
Breaking through walls and doors
Escaping their crate
Running away
Even the most well-trained dogs may lose their minds over an intact female!
If you have intact dogs in your home living together, these behaviors are often more pronounced.
Worst case, your dogs could tie and make puppies. It only takes a few seconds of unsupervised access for a tie to happen, and at that point, it will have been too late.
Dogs have been known to tie through fences and diapers, so don’t be complacent!
When a male and a female dog “tie”, they are connected and cannot be separated for a short time, often as long as 30 minutes.
The male’s penis swells inside the female, locking them together.
If this happens, do NOT try and separate them!
Leave them alone and call your veterinarian for advice.
In most cases of accidental mating, the puppies are not coming from exceptional, fully health-tested parents, and the most ethical and responsible thing to do is to seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.
A routine spay abort may be recommended to eliminate unwanted pregnancies, especially when the health of the female or the puppies is at stake.
The ONLY prevention from accidental puppies is several degrees of separation.
If you have a female in heat who is living in your home with an intact male dog, we highly recommend neutering the male or boarding him until her heat cycle is completely finished.
Accidental pregnancy is often complicated, not to mention unethical in the context of full animal shelters and when compared to truly thoughtful breeding.
Dogs that are neutered tend to be less fixated on females in heat and are less likely to engage in these types of behaviors.
Does Neutering Calm a Dog Down?
In short, neutering can help with certain behaviors but it may not be a cure-all for everything.
It’s important that you understand the pros and cons of neutering before making a decision for your dog.
Neutering can have some health benefits, such as a reduction in the risk of testicular cancer, but it also has some risks.
These must be weighed against the behavior problems that neutering may help to solve, including the risks associated with an accidental pregnancy.
We often see Great Dane owners, desperate for relief from their bouncy, strong 8-month-old male who has suddenly become aggressive or started resource-guarding food.
You may notice a common theme here, though.
While testosterone levels can fuel these behaviors, the root cause often lies in genetics and training.
Depending on the individual dog, neutering may or may not help calm them down at all. Many times, a highly qualified canine behaviourist is needed.
How to calm a dog down
Here are some more effective ways to calm your crazy dog down, whether they are neutered or not!
Many dogs with crazy behavior are actually just bored or not well trained! If you want to help your dog calm down, encourage calm behavior with positive reinforcement, daily training, and a lot more enrichment.
The Benefits of Neutering
One of the major benefits of neutering is that it completely eliminates the chance of accidental pregnancy.
Dogs that have been neutered are much less likely to be driven by hormones, and as a result, will not freak out or attempt to get to intact or newly spayed females.
Male dogs that are neutered tend to be less aggressive and more relaxed overall, especially when their behaviors have been fueled by a combination of genetics and testosterone.
Neutering can also help with certain types of behavior problems, including roaming, urine marking, and humping. However, as above, the root cause of a dog’s behaviour must be addressed first.
Health Risks in Neutered Dogs
Many studies are showing the benefits associated with keeping male dogs intact, especially if they are large or giant breed.
This is where the behaviour, hormones, neuter, and common myths discussions become even more complicated.
Neutered dogs have:
Increased risk of osteosarcoma bone cancer (when neutered before 1 year of age)
There are valid and researched reasons for responsible dog owners to keep well-tempered male dogs intact.
What is the Best Age to Neuter a Dog?
This one is actually a hot-topic debate.
Veterinarians will offer differing opinions and advice on this one, and sometimes it depends on the owner too!
Responsible owners can safely keep a well-bred and well-mannered dog intact through maturity or beyond.
Many owners, however, cannot.
You can take a quick walk around any municipal animal shelter and see the results of these failures.
For this reason, many veterinarians recommend neutering at or before 4-6 months. They will draw a hard line in the sand and may not even see pets who are still intact.
Other veterinarians will take a different approach and welcome responsible dog owners who wish to delay spaying and neutering.
Talk to your veterinarian. The important truth here is that NO veterinarian, even those who support delayed spay and neuter programs, will be supportive if you are not a dedicated and responsible dog owner.
Responsible dog owners:
Train their dogs well
Socialize their dogs well
Keep their dogs in excellent condition (including teeth and nails)
Don’t allow their dog to become overweight
Seek regular veterinary care, including yearly well-visits
Keep their dog’s vaccines up to date
Use flea, tick, and heartworm prevention as advised
Don’t breed dogs that aren’t fully health tested and proven as excellent examples of their breed
Research in neutering
Emerging research indicates that male dogs in particular should remain intact until maturity. For large and giant breed dogs, this can mean 18-24 months of age or later!
It is believed that keeping male dogs intact through puberty can help reduce the risk of:
Hip dysplasia
Arthritis
ACL/CCL tears
Poor overall substance
Timid and fearful behavior
More research is definitely needed here, but there is a lot to be said for keeping testosterone levels intact while large and giant breed dogs are still maturing.
The Neutering Procedure
You may be curious about what to expect, so I’ve outlined some common Q&A about neutering your dog below!
Pre-Op Bloodwork and Wellness Check
Before scheduling your dog for a neutering procedure, your veterinarian should perform a physical exam and pre-op bloodwork.
This is to make sure your dog is healthy enough for anesthesia and surgery.
Dogs who have a heart murmur or heart disease, who are obese, or who have a genetic link to blood clotting disorders, DCM, wobblers, bloat, or other health problems will have an increased risk of complications during surgery.
Dogs that have been eating a grain-free, home-cooked, or boutique diet should also have an echocardiogram prior to surgery, as unbalanced nutrition can lead to deadly heart problems which can complicate surgery.
Neutering is a quick and relatively simple procedure.
Your dog will be given a general anesthetic and often a local one as well.
The testicles are removed through a small incision in the scrotum. The sack will be left; it will eventually shrivel up, however, this process may take weeks or months.
The incision is then stitched closed. Neutering takes about 15-20 minutes and most dogs wake up quickly after surgery.
Scrotal ablation
Sometimes your veterinarian may recommend scrotal ablation, in addition to neutering.
This is a procedure where both the testicles and the sack are removed.
This is a much more invasive surgery, however, aesthetically it may be preferable if you have a large or giant breed dog who has reached or passed maturity.
What to expect after neutering
Your veterinarian will send you home with pain medication and antibiotics. Your dog will likely be coming home the same day as the procedure and will be loopy, tired, and possibly disoriented.
The incision site should be checked daily for any signs of infection, swelling, or excessive redness.
Most dogs feel a little groggy after surgery but are back to their normal selves within a day or two.
Some may experience mild nausea and will not have much of an appetite. This is NORMAL and should not be cause for alarm unless it persists for more than a day or two.
If your dog is acting lethargic, has a fever, or is vomiting excessively, please call your veterinarian!
If proper pain medication has not been administered, your dog may also show signs of pain including whining, restlessness, and drooling.
If this is the case, please call your vet!
You should also keep your dog calm and quiet for at least two weeks after surgery to allow the incision to heal properly. This means no running, jumping, or playing off-leash.
You must find some way to keep them occupied so they don’t get bored! This can be a difficult task, but it is crucial to their recovery.
CBD and other ‘holistic’ home remedies are NOT enough medication for humane surgical recovery.
It is important that your dog is truly pain-free.
We encourage you to follow your veterinarian’s advice for prescription pain relief and antibiotics, which have been proven safe and effective.
Common medications that are prescribed after neutering may include:
-Tramadol
-Gabapentin
-Rimadyl
-Metacam (Meloxicam)
Excess fluid following neutering
Large or giant breed dogs, especially those who are allowed to move and play too much following surgery may develop fluid that will build up in the newly emptied testicular sack.
This alarming and often painful condition can lead to infection and may require veterinary treatment. If you notice that the scrotum is becoming enlarged, red, or angry, please call your veterinarian!
Neutering healing time
Your dog should have absolutely no access to the surgical site, as licking can cause infections and delayed healing.
The incision should be fully healed within two weeks. Your veterinarian will advise you on when your dog can return to normal activity.
In general, small breed dogs recover quickly while large and giant breed dogs may take a little longer. In most cases, you can expect to resume normal activity within a month.
You should continue to monitor the incision site for any signs of infection or irritation. If you have any concerns, please call your veterinarian!
How to care for a dog after neutering
We highly recommend a surgical suit, which will be more comfortable for your dog and can help prevent them from licking the incision.
Other options include blow-up e-collars, which can be a little more cumbersome, or t-shirts (upside down so they can’t pull it over their head).
Whatever you choose, make sure your dog cannot get to the incision site!
Your dog may need to wear the surgical suit or cone for two weeks or until the sutures have dissolved and the skin is healed. Some dogs will require the use of both a surgical suit AND a cone!
If your dog is particularly insistent on licking the incision, talk do your veterinarian about sedatives.
Potential risks of neutering
All surgeries come with potential risks, which is why it’s so important to have a pre-surgical examination and echocardiogram prior to surgery.
The most common complications from neutering include:
– Bleeding
– Infection
– Swelling
– Pain
– Allergic reaction to the anesthesia or post-op pain medications
-Death from anesthesia-related complications
Fortunately, neutering is a very common procedure with a high success rate. A neutered animal is less likely to suffer from testicular cancer and much less likely to run away. The benefits of neutering should not be overlooked!
With proper care and monitoring, your pet dog will recover quickly and be back to its normal self in no time.
How much does Neutering Cost?
The cost of spaying and neutering will vary depending on your veterinarian, the size of your dog, and where you live.
In general, small dogs will cost between $200-$400 while large dogs will cost between $400-$600. Giant breed dogs may cost upwards of $1000. This may or may not include additional expenses such as a surgical suit, pre-op blood work, echocardiogram, or pain medications and antibiotics.
We understand that the cost of neutering may be prohibitive, so there are resources out there for people who cannot afford these costs.
You can check with your local humane society, SPCA, or animal rescue organizations to see if they offer any low-cost spay and neuter options.
Spaying or neutering is one of the most important steps any of us can take towards combatting the world’s huge problem with unwanted, poorly bred pets clogging the rescue system.
Not only does spaying and neutering help reduce the number of unwanted animals, it has health benefits for your pet!
Great Danes are one of the largest breeds of dogs in the whole world. A Great Dane puppy is born at a whomping 1.5-3 lbs and grows rapidly for the first 24 months of its life.
Great Danes are skilled at a lot of things, but are they natural swimmers?
CAN GREAT DANES SWIM?
The truth is- Great Danes can swim! In fact, most dogs can swim to some degree. But that doesn’t mean they all enjoy it and are good at it.
Great Danes have a few characteristics that make them better swimmers than other breeds. For one, they have webbed feet! This gives them more power in the water and helps them move through it more efficiently. Secondly, their long tails act as a rudder, helping them to steer as they paddle.
So, if you’re thinking about taking your Great Dane for a dip this summer, rest assured- they can handle it! Just be sure to introduce them to the water gradually and supervise them at all times.
5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT A GREAT DANE AND IF THEY ARE GOOD SWIMMERS
GREAT DANE BODIES ARE HELPFUL TO HELPING THEM BE GREAT SWIMMERS: Great Danes bodies ARE equipped to help them swim! Great Danes have long legs, webbed feet and long tails that can help them tread water.
SWIMMING IS VERY HEALTHY FOR GREAT DANES: Great Danes benefit TREMENDOUSLY from swimming! Large breeds are prone to health issues in their large bodies like Hip Dysplasia and Arthritis. One of the best forms of exercising for these gentle giants is swimming as it is so easy on their joints.
MAKE SURE TO PROMOTE SAFETY WITH YOUR GREAT DANES DURING ANY SWIMMING ACTIVITIES: You should always supervise your Great Dane while they are swimming and provide safety gear like a life jacket / life vest. Water safety is and always should be in the forefront of your mind when taking a Great Dane swimming.
SOME GREAT DANES WOULD RATHER DO ANYTHING ELSE THAN SWIM: Some Great Danes do NOT enjoy swimming. Dog owners report that their Great Dane would rather do just about anything than go swimming, whether it be in large bodies of water to shallow water or even a small baby pool. There are things owners can do from with Great Dane puppies to help their Dane to swim more comfortably when it is older.
SWIMMING LESSONS CAN HELP A GREAT DANE LEARN THE BASICS: Not all dogs are born with the ability to even know HOW to swim. Using a pet-friendly swimming pool and starting a a young age is the best way to provide your Great Dane with proper training in how to become excellent swimmers and teach them to like to swim.
A GREAT DANE HAS A BODY THAT LENDS TO THEM BEING GOOD SWIMMERS
Great Danes have bodies that will help them when swimming.
Great Danes Webbed Feet:
The dog breed has webbed paws, which help them to paddle when in the water.
When learning to doggy paddle, these webbed toes on their front paws can help your Great Dane swim more easily, which will make them feel more comfortable and stay afloat.
The Long Tails of a Great Dane:
You may get annoyed when the long and strong tail of a Great Dane wacks you when you get home from work. The powerful wag of a Great Dane tail can be strong and sometimes painful when they wag!
But, the long tail of the dog also helps with steering and helps them when swimming.
Great Dane Hind Legs
Since the upper body of a Great Dane is so big, it’s important that their hind legs are able to support them while swimming.
Great Danes have large legs that help them like to swim.
Keeping your dog thin and healthy at the right weight for their body will help them be a more natural swimmer, as they will be able to use their front legs and back legs more easily to doggy paddle, helping their upper body to stay afloat.
SWIMMING IS A VERY HEALTHY EXERCISE FOR A DOG BREEDS AS BIG AS A GREAT DANE
Swimming is one of the best exercises for dogs as big as Great Danes.
Swimming has many benefits for any dog, but even more so for dogs who carry extra weight on their bodies, like giant breeds.
Swimming has joint benefits
Swimming has cardiovascular benefits
Swimming helps to maintain a healthy weight
Swimming can help your dog get mental stimulation
Swimming is a great way to get exercise without putting any extra strain on your dog’s body. Great Danes are especially prone to certain health problems, like arthritis and hip dysplasia, so it’s important that they get regular exercise that is easy on their joints.
If Great Danes become overweight, taking them to swim is one of the most powerful ways to help them trim down. Swimming is the perfect solution!
SWIMMING WITH GREAT DANES REQUIRES SAFETY ITEMS
Not all dogs are natural swimmers. Danes are not natural swimmers, at least not most of them. It may be a matter of life and death for your dogs, whether you choose to put them in a life-saving vest.
Especially while you are teaching your Dane to swim, you need to provide them with swim gear like a life jacket.
Great Danes like to feel safe and secure, and a life jacket can help them feel secure.
Great Danes are also a dog that loves to be with their owners, so it is a great idea to swim with your dog, especially the first time you take them to swim.
TAKING YOUR DOG TO SWIM ON A HOT DAY
If you are taking your dog to swim on a hot day, a life vest can REALLY trap heat inside. Be aware of heat stroke and only wear the life jacket while you are in the water or nearby the water.
You should also invest in some dog friendly sunscreen for when you take your dog to swim.
Depending on the coat colors of your dog, their skin can get sunburnt very easily.
SOME GREAT DANES HATE SWIMMING MORE THAN ANYTHING
If you’ve ever had any other dog, you know that most dogs love to swim.
Some dogs would even rather swim after a tennis ball than do anything else in the entire world.
Dogs usually love the water. And most Great Danes do too!
But, some Great Danes really hate to swim more than other dogs.
If you have a Great Dane dog who just absolutely hates to swim- it is not abnormal as they are just not natural born swimmers like other dog breeds.
You can do things to help your dog learn to enjoy swimming:
Help your dog understand that swimming is not going to hurt them by providing them with positive experiences.
Use positive reinforcement to teach them that water is a great thing
Use treats or fun toys to help your Great Danes swim
Always use safety equipment like a vest when your Great Dane swims to help them feel safest
Take your dogs to swimming lessons
Teach your dog the concept of water with small steps such as a baby pool, the bath tub, or the garden hose
Investing in a smaller pool for your Great Dane will help swimming not feel as overwhelming as taking them to a lake for their first try. Try something like this:
Also, you can work them up to a body of water by getting them interested in a doggy sprinkler toy, like this:
INVEST IN SWIMMING LESSONS FOR DOGS
If you really want to take your pup swimming but can’t seem to get them to enjoy it or figure out HOW to swim, there are swimming lessons built just for dogs.
Do some quick research in your area for lessons that are meant for dogs.
Taking your dog to lessons can be a really fun way to help them learn how to swim.
Most importantly, it will give you some time to learn how to properly help your dog swim and what techniques work best for them.
Great Danes are some of the best dogs in the world.
But, before you take your Dane swimming, you need to make sure that they are ready and willing to take the plunge.
Use these tips to help make sure that your dog is prepared for a fun day of swimming. Remember, safety first! And always consult your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about taking your Dane swimming.
Helping a dog with broken leg does not have to be stressful and exhausting. If your Great Dane has a broken leg, the first thing you need to do is get him to the veterinarian. A broken leg can be a serious injury, and it’s important to make sure that your dog receives proper treatment.
Great Danes are susceptible to a number of different injuries, including broken bones. A broken bone can occur for a variety of reasons, including trauma, cancer, or even just from falling awkwardly.
One: Fractured Bone in Your Great Dane
Fractured bones are considered a broken bone, which can be a medical emergency, so you’ll want to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
Hairline fractures are definitely more common than broken legs in dogs, but still require pet parents to take action for bone healing.
If you’re unsure whether or not your dog has a broken bone, there are some signs that you can look for. These include:
Limping or holding up a limb
Swelling or bruising around the injury site
Whimpering or crying when the area is touched
Obvious signs of pain such as smacking lips, drooling, full body shaking, or other signs
Treatment for a broken bone will vary depending on the severity of the injury, but may include immobilization, surgery, or even just rest and pain relief.
At the vet, you will likely be asked to complete x rays to identify the fracture site, as a fracture can have similar symptoms of a break.
Additionally, the healing process of a fracture vs. a break remains relatively similar.
Two: Finding the Right Vet for Your Great Dane
When it comes to finding the right vet to treat broken limbs with your Great Dane, you’ll want to make sure that you find a vet who has experience with broken bones or a fracture.
Visit Either Your Regular Vet or Emergency Vet First
When you notice your dog is in pain or not bearing weight on its bone or favoring one limb, you will need to get them to the vet immediately.
Take them to your regular vet if they are available. If your vet is not available or open, the Emergency Vet is the next option.
What Will Happen at the Vet?
Your vet or the emergency vet will want to weigh several factors in your Great Dane before they can give you a plan.
After your vet has assessed all of these factors, they will be able to give you a treatment plan for your Great Dane. This will most likely include your dog receiving x rays so that they can recommend a treatment method.
Veterinary Surgeon
Canine surgeons that treat Great Danes are specialists and experts in the field of performing surgery on dogs, including those who have a broken bone or any type of fracture that needs correction.
You may be referred to a surgeon.
When choosing a veterinary surgeon, you’ll want to make sure that you find one who is experienced in treating large breeds.
Orthopaedic Specialist
You might be referred to see an Orthopaedic Specialist.
Like veterinary surgeons, Orthopaedic specialists have completed additional training in their field and are able to provide more specialized care for your Great Dane.
Again, when choosing an Orthopaedic specialist, you’ll want to make sure that you find one who is experienced in treating big Great Danes, as treating toy breeds/small dogs/medium dogs can vary greatly from big dogs.
Three: Dog’s Pain with a Broken Bone
Breaking a bone is very painful, even for a dog. Also, even a fracture can be excruciating. Most dogs will express their pain by whimpering or crying when the area is touched.
Your dog may also try to lick or bite at the injury site. It’s important to keep your dog from licking or biting at their injury as this can cause further damage.
Interested in making your own homemade treats? Coopers Treats offers kits to make your own baked treats and pupcicles.
You can help your dog by providing them with a comfortable place to rest and keeping them calm. You should also try to remain calm yourself as many dogs pick up on their humans energy.
In order to reduce pain while you get to the doctors, you should lay them in a flat and supportive spot, give them water, and use an ice pack to apply pressure (not too hard).
Do not give medication on the way to the vet, as whatever you give your dog could interact with any medications that they need to administer for pain relief of the injury upon arriving.
Four: Issues that Can Happen With Broken Bones
There are a few issues that can happen if your Great Dane has a broken bone, including angulations, pressure sores, and joint contractures.
Angulations or Joint Contractures
Angulations happen when the bone is broken in such a way that it doesn’t line up correctly when it heals. This will cause your dog to have an abnormal gait and may require surgery to fix.
Joint contractures happen when the muscles around the joint tighten and cause the joint to freeze in place. This can happen if your dog doesn’t move their limb for a long period of time or if they have an incorrect cast placed. This stagnation can cause further damage and future health conditions.
Pressure Sores
Open sores can occur if your dog is not placed in the correct position and they rest on their injury for too long, which can cause skin breakdown. The dog’s skin will resemble open wounds and will need to be monitored for infection, but pet parents can heal them with time.
If you notice an open wound on your pup, definitely reach out to your vet to ask them what you should do. Any form of open wound should be treated to prevent infection.
Five: Where Is The Most Common Break?
The most common break in dogs is the humerus, which is the bone that runs from their shoulder to their elbow. This bone is often broken when dogs are hit by cars or fall from a great height.
Other common breaks include the radius (in the forearm), the ulna (also in the forearm), and the femur (the thigh bone).
The second reason is that older Great Danes are more likely to have health conditions that can lead to breaks. For example, cancerous tumors can weaken bones and make them more likely to break.
The last reason is that senior dogs are more likely to take medications that can cause bone loss. For example, steroids are a common medication given to older Great Danes that can cause bone loss.
For these reasons, senior Great Danes can have factors that can affect healing and cause breaks in the first place.
Six: Treatment Options
Pet owners should be aware of the many routes they might be recommended to take to help their dog’s leg heal.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a type of medication that can be used to help with pain and swelling. These are typically given orally but may also be given as an injection or topically.
Pain Medication
There are a variety of pain medications that your veterinarian may prescribe for your dog, depending on the severity of their pain. Never, however, administer drugs to your dog without speaking to your veterinarian for advice on the best course of medication.
Exercises and therapy may be recommended to help your dog regain the strength and mobility in their leg. This will typically involve exercises that you’ll do at home, but may also include hydrotherapy or laser therapy.
Depending on the severity of the break, your Great Dane may need surgery. This is typically done by placing metal plates or screws in the bone to hold it in place while it heals.
In some cases, your dog may need what’s called an external skeletal fixation (ESF). External Fixation is where metal pins are placed on the outside of the leg and held in place with an external frame. This is typically used for more severe breaks or when surgery isn’t an option.
Your Great Dane will need general anaesthetic for any surgery that they undergo.
No matter what treatment route you and your veterinarian decide to take, it’s important to be patient and follow their instructions. With time and proper care, your dog will heal and be back to
At Home Management Post Treatment
There are a few things that you’ll need to do at home to help them recover.
The first thing is to make sure that they’re getting plenty of rest. It’s important to let them heal, regardless of whether they have a broken bone, chipped bone fragments, or open fractures.
You can use an ice / cold packs to help heal the surgery site and keep the pain as minimal as possible.
A crate is a great way to keep them calm and let your dog heal. Here is our favorite crate for large dogs, which can be utilized if your dog breaks anything or has any type of recovery needed:
Sometimes other injuries can impact a Great Dane, some of which require non surgical recovery options.
The most common type of ligament injury in dogs is a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear. This typically happens when the dog’s knee twists or turns too much, causing the ligament to tear.
Treatment for this typically includes rest, weight control, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.
Pet Insurance
In some cases, pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment for a broken leg, open fractures, and even the diagnostic x rays needed.
Because a fracture or or break can be very expensive, we highly recommend getting a plan before any major type of fracture or break occurs.
The Bottom Line
A broken leg in a Great Dane, whether a fracture on the front leg, back legs or a complete break, is never a small issue.
With proper care, most Great Danes make a full recovery and are able to return to their previous level of activity.
If you have any questions or concerns, we’re here to help!
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