Castration?
No. Maybe… It was a yes.
A difficult topic that has come up and down a lot here at our place over the past few years. It was a big decision, because there are both disadvantages and advantages. We have had several conversations with the vet. We have listened to the experiences of others and carefully considered whether it was the solution for Marvin before the decision was made.
Why?
There can be many reasons why you choose to have your dog neutered. In January, Marvin was all over the floor again because one or more female dogs in the neighborhood were in heat. This time it was worse than before. He wouldn't eat, was stressed, didn't sleep, had to go out to pee constantly and got another bad bout of foreskin inflammation. That's why the vet recommended that we try giving him a chemical castration.
Chemical castration
A chemical castration is in a way a trial period. You can see what the effect is and whether it works on the unwanted behavior. For Marvin it worked within a week. We got a calmer dog, he was no longer interested in the female dogs, and there was less pronounced male dog behavior. By that I mean that he could be very dominant and intolerant of other dogs. The chemical castration has dampened that part of the unwanted behavior.
He gained more fur. He didn't have much of it before, so we see that as a positive. However, he has gained so much that we have to cut him a little. It's like cutting a whirlwind. It takes a little training and patience from both the dog and the woman with the scissors.
The only downside is that he has become hungry and has gained a little weight. But he has been given some low-calorie food and is close to his normal weight again.
Surgical castration
After six months, the chemical castration was no longer working optimally, and we talked about the options again. Should we continue to give him the chemical, or should we have him surgically castrated? We contacted the vet again and had a good chat. After much consideration, we decided to say yes to the operation.
It went well. Marvin couldn't stop licking his stitches, though. A collar wasn't the solution, and we couldn't get the jumpsuit from the vet. So I had to get the sewing machine going and an old t-shirt. It wasn't until I put the suit on him that I saw that it said REBEL I on the suit. A rebel in a homemade emergency suit. But it worked as intended, and he loved wearing it.
Is it a pity for the dog?
It's hard to answer. But life has become much easier for Marvin and for us. He is no longer interested in female dogs and is less stressed and has become calmer. The unwanted male dog behavior has decreased, and to us it seems as if Marvin is a happier dog. The walks have become much more pleasant, and he is still himself. Our beloved fur rocket.
About the blogger
Charlotte works in accounting by day. She loves taking pictures, writing and reading, is passionate about healthy eating and gluten-free baking. She spends a lot of time growing vegetables and gardening.
Marvin is a brown, 6-year-old, stubborn and happy cocker spaniel. He is a spoiled couch dog, family dog and home-trained service dog. He loves teddy bears and new adventures. As long as there is no vacuum cleaner in the adventure.
Castration - yes, no, maybe?
Castration?
No. Maybe… It was a yes.
A difficult topic that has come up and down a lot here at our place over the past few years. It was a big decision, because there are both disadvantages and advantages. We have had several conversations with the vet. We have listened to the experiences of others and carefully considered whether it was the solution for Marvin before the decision was made.
Why?
There can be many reasons why you choose to have your dog neutered. In January, Marvin was all over the floor again because one or more female dogs in the neighborhood were in heat. This time it was worse than before. He wouldn't eat, was stressed, didn't sleep, had to go out to pee constantly and got another bad bout of foreskin inflammation. That's why the vet recommended that we try giving him a chemical castration.
Chemical castration
A chemical castration is in a way a trial period. You can see what the effect is and whether it works on the unwanted behavior. For Marvin it worked within a week. We got a calmer dog, he was no longer interested in the female dogs, and there was less pronounced male dog behavior. By that I mean that he could be very dominant and intolerant of other dogs. The chemical castration has dampened that part of the unwanted behavior.
He gained more fur. He didn't have much of it before, so we see that as a positive. However, he has gained so much that we have to cut him a little. It's like cutting a whirlwind. It takes a little training and patience from both the dog and the woman with the scissors.
The only downside is that he has become hungry and has gained a little weight. But he has been given some low-calorie food and is close to his normal weight again.
Surgical castration
After six months, the chemical castration was no longer working optimally, and we talked about the options again. Should we continue to give him the chemical, or should we have him surgically castrated? We contacted the vet again and had a good chat. After much consideration, we decided to say yes to the operation.
It went well. Marvin couldn't stop licking his stitches, though. A collar wasn't the solution, and we couldn't get the jumpsuit from the vet. So I had to get the sewing machine going and an old t-shirt. It wasn't until I put the suit on him that I saw that it said REBEL I on the suit. A rebel in a homemade emergency suit. But it worked as intended, and he loved wearing it.
Is it a pity for the dog?
It's hard to answer. But life has become much easier for Marvin and for us. He is no longer interested in female dogs and is less stressed and has become calmer. The unwanted male dog behavior has decreased, and to us it seems as if Marvin is a happier dog. The walks have become much more pleasant, and he is still himself. Our beloved fur rocket.
About the blogger
Charlotte works in accounting by day. She loves taking pictures, writing and reading, is passionate about healthy eating and gluten-free baking. She spends a lot of time growing vegetables and gardening.
Marvin is a brown, 6-year-old, stubborn and happy cocker spaniel. He is a spoiled couch dog, family dog and home-trained service dog. He loves teddy bears and new adventures. As long as there is no vacuum cleaner in the adventure.