People often hear that neutering prevents prostate cancer in dogs. Neutering does have an impact on the prostate gland and avoiding future prostate concerns, but there is no evidence to prove canine prostate cancer can be prevented through neutering.
Canine Prostate Gland Health
It is well documented that the canine prostate gland continues to grow throughout an intact dog's lifetime. This growth is influenced by the testosterone produced in the testicles. Because the prostate gland completely surrounds the urethra, as the gland grows, several problems can arise. Neutering causes the prostate to shrink and avoids the problems associated with an enlarged prostate.
- Dogs experience discomfort as the prostate enlarges and puts pressure on the urethra, making it difficult for the dog to both urinate and defecate.
- Intact dogs are prone to infection which can't be cleared without neutering.
- Hyperplasia is an abnormal multiplication of cells within the prostate gland.
- Prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate gland.
- While there are no known preventative measures against canine prostate cancer, it is relatively uncommon in dogs. What can be prevented by neutering are the numerous prostate problems caused by the impact of testosterone on the gland. Neutering, especially when the dog is under a year old, is the best preventative measures against canine prostate issues.