The vet told me that neutering the dog will affect their coat and it wouldn't be as nice. Is it true in all cases?

__________________

I wouldn't say so, but I would think unless you are showing the dog, coat appearance shouldn't be taken into consideration when deciding whether to neuter or not. The health problems from keeping them entire should be the main reason for neutering.

__________________

I OWN A CHOCOLATE ROAN COCKER SPANIEL
RIP David xx Run free at the bridge. Love you always xx 19th February 2011
RIP Jack and Mickey xx Run free at the bridge. Love you forever xx 20th June 2011

I think it can in certain dogs in certain breeds, but I've never heard it affecting a poodle

it certainly can in my breed, although i haven't noticed it in my bitches yet!.

__________________
love me love the dogs

The vet told me healthwise it doesn't do much more for dogs (but big differences for bitches) apart from the prostate problem which he thinks the risk is small and can be treated easily later on if something's worng.

He says its more for his sex drive (say if he develops excess humping behaviour), excessive marking in the house and of course prevent accidental litters.

I know the cons and pros have been discussed to death on this forum..but just wondering how many of you agree or disagree with what i have been told by this particular vet.

Thanks!

__________________

I personally think his comments are fair

it certainlly affected the coat on my cocker it got very very thick and more curly and fluffyier. As it was thinner and more slick before he was done. Have heard it can alter colour slightly in some breeds.

__________________



Banner By Smudge.

I would agree with him. A lot of vets will just tell you it's a cure for all behavior problems and most health problems.££££££

It prevents testicular and prostate cancer. Apparently if the dog is entire, prostate problems are more difficult to treat. Testicular cancer is easy to cure if it remains in the testicules as they just castrate them, but if the dog is old when it gets testicular cancer, then the risk of anasesthetic is high and could be a problem for an older dog.

Some people say they would never keep an entire dog because if they smell an in season bitch (i met one the other day off lead in a busy park, so if you live in a fairly busy area, the chances of meeting one are high), then they will chase after the scent and will ignore recall commands, so could be dangerous. Castration will also help the problems with your dog, although don't expect marking to go away completely (my dog was castrated last July and he still marks (although he never marked excessively)) so your problem may decrease and he may stop marking in the house, but will still mark outside.

__________________

I OWN A CHOCOLATE ROAN COCKER SPANIEL
RIP David xx Run free at the bridge. Love you always xx 19th February 2011
RIP Jack and Mickey xx Run free at the bridge. Love you forever xx 20th June 2011

My poodle x has had the snip and it's certainly done absolutely nothing to his coat..it's still mad curly and out of control!!! Bit like the dog himself actually!