• Before neutering your dog, consider all possible risks.german shepherd dog image by Lisa Batty from Fotolia.com
  
  There are many reasons to choose to neuter your dog. Besides preventing him from fathering puppies, neutering also decreases aggressive behaviors and prevents testicular cancer. However, there are some negative effects related to neutering. It is important to be aware of these so you can make an informed decision.
  
  

Bone Cancer

• This is usually a fatal illness that effects medium and large sized dogs. Neutering increases the risk of bone cancer if the procedure is performed before the dog has matured (at about one year old).
  
  

Cardiac Hemangiosarcoma

• This is a cancer that affects the dog's heart or spleen, and neutering increases the risk. It is more prevalent in German Shepards and Golden Retrievers and more common in males.
  
  

Hypothyroidism

• Hypothyroidism is a condition that can cause problems with how the glands produce important hormones in the dog's body. This can lead to lethargy, weight gain and behavioral changes.
  
  

Orthopedic Disorders

• These can be a direct result of neutering, or it can be due to weight gain caused by other factors related to the procedure.
  
  

Other Increased Risks

• Neutering causes an increase in the chances of developing prostate and urinary tract infections. The risk of developing these conditions is still small, but it should be considered.