Implications of De-sexing

Hubby and I are taking on the care of a 5+ year old Blue Staffy, meanwhile trying to learn a few things about more mature dogs of this breed.

I have a couple of questions which pertain to the fact that he is ‘intact’.

He is a well trained boy with a lovely personality. He is energetic. Can outrun and jump higher than most larger dogs when chasing his ball. Loves swimming to fetch his ball. Even though we’ve known this dog since he was a puppy I have never seen him ‘humping’ or known him to run after females in heat.

If we were to choose to have him neutered, would he become any more placid, sleep more or be more prone to put on weight? Would he mark his territory any less aka stopping at less trees and lamp posts on his daily walks......and the biggie for me is.....would his urine smell less toxic - lol?

Thanks for any assistance with these questions.

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Hi from me & Katy  Welcome to our forum, this link should help answer your questions.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiaj_e0zdPwAhXwRRUIHQuzC_MQFjACegQIJxAD&url=https%3A%2F%2Fvcahospitals.com%2Fknow-your-pet%2Fdog-behavior-and-training-neutering-and-behavior%23%3A~%3Atext%3DCastration%2520or%2520neutering%2520of%2520male%2Cremoved%252C%2520leaving%2520the%2520sac%2520intact.&usg=AOvVaw3v05wcy6ufsch7HN9xFcQs

Good article, but I disagree with a couple of points.

Prostate cancer and certain bone cancers have been shown to be increased in castrated dogs. Also, in an older dog, behaviour isn't entirely hormone-related - much of it is learned behaviour or habit, which will likely continue after neutering.

If you're unsure, ask your vet if you can try Suprelorin. This is a chemical implant which mimics the effects of castration. It will allow you to see what the results of neutering will be for your dog. It isn't cheap (probably about £250 for two implants that should last between 9 & 12 months. They always come in pairs!)

https://www.viovet.co.uk/Suprelorin-Implant-for-Dogs/c7070/

Thank you jenc and gillybrent for your replies.

Jenc - The article was helpful in most respects but nowhere did it address the urine smell.

Gillybrent - The product you mention sounds interesting. I will research it some more before our vet appointment this coming Friday.

Megan Frances wrote:

Jenc - The article was helpful in most respects but nowhere did it address the urine smell.

Both chemical and actual castration should help with the really strong smell - it's strong to make sure other dogs know they've been there!

You could also try giving him more to drink - a strong smell could be partly to do with dehydration. The urine becomes more 'concentrated' if you see what I mean?