Neutering to reduce anxiety?

[Quercus]

@Janneke:

Well.. you all know how I feel about neutering.. And I believe Kananga already read enough about the subject to make a decision for herself..

So only on-topic here.. I don't really think the anxiety is from bitches in heat. If he's really only showing this behaviour when you're leaving, I would think he doesn't like to be left alone.. so probably a minor case of sep. anxiety.. I would definitely try to address this, more then neutering him.

I agree. As much as I am in favor of neutering non-breeding animals, I don't think this issue has to do with hormones. I think it is low grade anxiety. I think the suggestions of DAP and Patricia McConnell's book will get you on the right track. Also, keep in mind that something frightening or startling may have occurred when you weren't at home, and it will take some time for him to get past whatever it was.

[Kananga]

@Janneke:

Well.. you all know how I feel about neutering.. And I believe Kananga already read enough about the subject to make a decision for himself..

So only on-topic here.. I don't really think the anxiety is from bitches in heat. If he's really only showing this behaviour when you're leaving, I would think he doesn't like to be left alone.. so probably a minor case of sep. anxiety.. I would definitely try to address this, more then neutering him.

Right. That's why I feel the DAP is worth a shot before I'd considering neutering. I'm glad someone recommended that first. Having him neutered is the last resort. Of course i'm biased because I too am a male, but it's hard to know if he will truly be happier once neutered. While I'm at home he's relaxed and happy. I never hear him whine or really see him pace unless he hears someone outside of my door, which is to be expected with most active dogs.

Kananga for the most part has been the perfect dog. The only time I think he is truly miserable is when his allergies are bothering him. I do what I can to help decrease the effects but it's something he mostly has to live with. I know it's not food related, I would think medication is the only treatment since it's probably something seasonal.

I suppose the true breeding season (Aug-Oct) will be the ultimate test.

[Quercus]

@Kananga:

Right. That's why I feel the DAP is worth a shot before I'd considering neutering. I'm glad someone recommended that first. Having him neutered is the last resort. Of course i'm biased because I too am a male, but it's hard to know if he will truly be happier once neutered. While I'm at home he's relaxed and happy. I never hear him whine or really see him pace unless he hears someone outside of my door, which is to be expected with most active dogs.

Kananga for the most part has been the perfect dog. The only time I think he is truly miserable is when his allergies are bothering him. I do what I can to help decrease the effects but it's something he mostly has to live with. I know it's not food related, I would think medication is the only treatment since it's probably something seasonal.

I suppose the true breeding season (Aug-Oct) will be the ultimate test.

Just food for thought…it is widely believed that dogs don't regard their own sexuality the way humans do. Most likely, Kananga wouldn't be happier, or less happy if he were neutered...he would have no idea.

I would like to know (honestly, I don't know) what health risks (aside from anesthesia) there are to neutering a dog. We can start a new thread, if you wish...but I am really curious.

[Kananga]

@Quercus:

Just food for thought…it is widely believed that dogs don't regard their own sexuality the way humans do. Most likely, Kananga wouldn't be happier, or less happy if he were neutered...he would have no idea.

I would like to know (honestly, I don't know) what health risks (aside from anesthesia) there are to neutering a dog. We can start a new thread, if you wish...but I am really curious.

In regards to him being unchanged with happiness, that's my point. If it makes no difference with him then why do some people say he will be happier?

With what i've read, these were the most common results in studies (to name a few):

-3x risk of hypothyroidism (my vet has also confirmed this with me)
-Increases the risk of progressive geriatric cognitive impairment
-3x risk of obesity
-Increases the risk of prostate cancer (albeit there's an obvious reduction in testicular cancer)
-Increases the risk of bone cancer
-General physical complications with the surgery (small percentage, but still a risk)

[renaultf1]

@Kananga:

In regards to him being unchanged with happiness, that's my point. If it makes no difference with him then why do some people say he will be happier?

I think they are saying he'd be happier because he won't be a slave to his hormones…he'd be more balanced that way and less anxious when there is a dog in season.

[Basenjimamma]

I agree with the posts stating he might not necessarily be happy just because you have him neutered. Give the DAP an honest try and if that doesn't work try some other things before you jump into conclusion that a neuter is a cure all. I feel, like you that this is a personal issue between you and Kananga. I haven't done the research about pros and cons of neutering but seeing what you wrote about the hypothyroidism and all that I will. I have had 2 other dogs in the past and they were both neutered, one of the became very overweight regardless of what I fed him ( well, that is not true, when he was on Barf he did great), and my other dog got hypothyroidism and cancer (brain though).
Good luck, and keep us updated on how he turns out on the DAP.

Petra

[Kananga]

@renaultf1:

I think they are saying he'd be happier because he won't be a slave to his hormones…he'd be more balanced that way and less anxious when there is a dog in season.

To which I do honestly understand. But with a more balanced nature, the 3x risk of hypothyroidism could mean one problem fixed and one problem created.

That's how I look at it.

[tanza]

@Kananga:

In regards to him being unchanged with happiness, that's my point. If it makes no difference with him then why do some people say he will be happier?

With what i've read, these were the most common results in studies (to name a few):

-3x risk of hypothyroidism (my vet has also confirmed this with me)
-Increases the risk of progressive geriatric cognitive impairment
-3x risk of obesity
-Increases the risk of prostate cancer (albeit there's an obvious reduction in testicular cancer)
-Increases the risk of bone cancer
-General physical complications with the surgery (small percentage, but still a risk)

I totally disagree with the 3x risk of obesity… my males that were neutered were never over weight, nor were my bitches. Basenjis are quite pre-disposed to hypothyroidism, neutered or not, spayed or not.... and while as said there are pros and cons on both side, you could make the case for each one of them on both sides of the fence. So it is up to each person to make the decision that works for them. For me, as a breeder, I am quite comfortable with my decisions to spay/neuter and to place all pets on spay/neuter contracts.

[renaultf1]

@Quercus:

I would like to know (honestly, I don't know) what health risks (aside from anesthesia) there are to neutering a dog. We can start a new thread, if you wish…but I am really curious.

This is a link that I found pretty interesting on this topic. BTW, I'm not advocating one way or another…I just found this article interesting.
http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/LongTermHealthEffectsOfSpayNeuterInDogs.pdf

My only opinion on this matter is this: as much responsibility as it is to have a pet - period, it is even that much more responsibility to have an intact animal…especially when it comes to making sure that it doesn't get free and isn't allowed to roam or run unsupervised...

[Kananga]

@tanza:

I totally disagree with the 3x risk of obesity… my males that were neutered were never over weight, nor were my bitches. Basenjis are quite pre-disposed to hypothyroidism, neutered or not, spayed or not.... and while as said there are pros and cons on both side, you could make the case for each one of them on both sides of the fence. So it is up to each person to make the decision that works for them. For me, as a breeder, I am quite comfortable with my decisions to spay/neuter and to place all pets on spay/neuter contracts.

Risk is simply that, it's risk. It varies by breed but the research done was with various breeds and multiple dogs.

I'm not in any way saying neutering is bad. My point is that leaving a dog intact is not 100% wrong. It's a marginal difference when you weigh our the risks and benefits for both cases. Some may say neutering imposes more risk, some may say leaving them intact imposes more risk.

I agree with you about going with what works best for them. For me, Kananga will never be out in the open on his own. There's no social risk. So it all comes down to behavior/health.

I don't fault anyone for their decisions, unless its a dead giveaway that it was a poor choice (i.e. leaving a male intact that is around intact females unsupervised and no intentions of breeding).

[Kananga]

@renaultf1:

This is a link that I found pretty interesting on this topic. BTW, I'm not advocating one way or another…I just found this article interesting.
http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/LongTermHealthEffectsOfSpayNeuterInDogs.pdf

My only opinion on this matter is this: as much responsibility as it is to have a pet - period, it is even that much more responsibility to have an intact animal…especially when it comes to making sure that it doesn't get free and isn't allowed to roam or run unsupervised...

That is one of my sources of information.

Precisely.

[agilebasenji]

I do believe there is a way to chemically neuter your dog that is not a permanent thing. This might be worth a try if you're really wondering if neutering would change him. Of course I don't have any information on this, but i'm sure if you google "chemical neuter" something would pop up. And you'd probably have to travel to find a vet who is savvy about this.

[Patty]

Kananga - when I leave my dogs alone in the house I use a CD on repeat. The CD is called 'Relaxation Music for your Dog'. It is very effective in keeping them calm. I think I got it from Crosskeys. The producers are Omnibus Media and their web address is www.musicsales.com I can also endorse the Dap which I have found effective in calming my dogs when necessary.

[Kananga]

@Patty:

Kananga - when I leave my dogs alone in the house I use a CD on repeat. The CD is called 'Relaxation Music for your Dog'. It is very effective in keeping them calm. I think I got it from Crosskeys. The producers are Omnibus Media and their web address is www.musicsales.com I can also endorse the Dap which I have found effective in calming my dogs when necessary.

Interesting. You know the long drive back I had when I initially picked him up (2 hour drive home) I had classical music playing which really put him into a deep sleep on the car ride. Ever since he's always calm around that same music.

I should give that a try.

[Kananga]

Day 1 was an interesting test. I did not expect any results for at least a few weeks.

I came home, nothing was moved, he had a big smile on his face, and he was extremely mellow when I was taking him outside. Normally he seems a bit distracted outside, but today he was just easy going. Actually got a bit vocal with me outside (few roos) which I have never had him do on a short walk.

We'll see how the next few weeks go.

[Kananga]

Proof of the big smile (he only does this when he's had a long walk, so it's the first I've seen with no walk):

It's strange, he is acting differently. But in a good way.

[Quercus]

@Kananga:

Day 1 was an interesting test. I did not expect any results for at least a few weeks.

I came home, nothing was moved, he had a big smile on his face, and he was extremely mellow when I was taking him outside. Normally he seems a bit distracted outside, but today he was just easy going. Actually got a bit vocal with me outside (few roos) which I have never had him do on a short walk.

We'll see how the next few weeks go.

Day one of what? The DAP?

[Kananga]

@Quercus:

Day one of what? The DAP?

Yep. It's been on for about 24 hours now.

[Basenjimamma]

wow, that Dap is something else. I will keep my fingers crossed that it keeps up.

Petra

[agilebasenji]

D'uh, music, of course. don't know why i didn't think of that. i've taught several control unleashed class and night one i recommend several cu compatable things, one of which is:

http://www.throughadogsear.com/

I have the book/cd combo and i assure my students that the cute basenjis on the cover had nothing (well, almost nothing) to do with me checking the book out from the library, which I later bought.