It is easy to assume that the risks associated with spaying and neutering an older dog are greater than the benefits of doing so. However, even if your dog has not gone into heat or displayed an overwhelming interest in an eager, female dog for quite some time, there are other ways that your senior dog can enjoy a better quality of life as the result of being sterilized. Therefore, as a responsible pet owner, it is a good idea to consider the following information when you are making the necessary health care plans for your mature canine.

Neutering Minimizes The Discomfort Associated With An Enlarged Prostate

Although it has long been known that by removing a dog's sex organs, the likelihood of cancer will reduce, it is often shocking to discover that many mature dogs are at high risk of developing that insidious disease. Specifically, it has been estimated that more than six out of ten male dogs will suffer from an enlarged prostate by the age of five. Although some neutered dogs can experience that issue, almost all intact male dogs will.

Since an enlarged prostate in canines has been linked with constipation, trouble urinating and even difficulty walking, neutering your male dog is likely to allow them to stay more comfortable as they age. As seen below, neutering your male dog will also allow them to be at lower risk of developing a bladder infection.

Being Neutered Reduces The Likelihood Of A Bacterial Infection

It is not unusual for both male and female dogs of any age to develop a bladder infection. One way for a bladder infection to develop is as the result of frequent squatting and straining. Specifically, an enlarged prostate swells inward, placing weight on the surrounding area. Since urine then has less space to move and there is extra strain to the area, urine may not be completely released and an infection can form.

The infection itself can be treated quickly with a course of antibiotics if it has been diagnosed soon after manifesting. Unfortunately, the problem can quickly worsen, however, since symptoms tend to be vague and some dogs will not show early symptoms of the infection. A bladder infection is also known as a urinary tract infection and can be fatal, especially to male dogs. As mentioned previously, by neutering your dog, he is less likely to develop an enlarged prostate. In turn, he will be less prone to developing a UTI.

In conclusion, it is important to remember that the benefits of neutering dogs can be seen well into his or her golden years. If you would like to make sure that your senior pet enjoys a long and healthy life at your side and he or she is still sexually intact it is a good idea to make sure that you have discussed spaying or neutering your dog with your veterinarian. To learn more, contact an animal hospital like Haverford Animal Hospital.