Percepción de los tutores sobre el impacto de la esterilización y castración del canino sobre su comportamiento.

Abstract

This study analyzed tutors’ perceptions regarding the impact of spaying and neutering on the behavior of dogs living in the Milann neighborhood of Daule. Using a quantitative and descriptive approach, a questionnaire was administered to 200 tutors to assess changes observed in animal health and post-surgical behavior. The results revealed that most owners perceive changes after the procedure, highlighting disobedience (30 %), increased appetite (28 %), and aggression (25.5 %) as the most frequent variations. High emotional sensitivity was also identified, with 52 % of the dogs showing fear or anxiety in response to loud noises. In terms of gender differences, it was observed that females tended to cease reactive behaviors in response to verbal corrections, while males showed more irregular obedience and occasional reactivity to environmental stimuli. It is concluded that, although these surgical procedures are associated with noticeable behavioral changes, these are usually intermittent and are influenced both by the tutor´s management and prior expectations, underscoring the importance of education in responsible ownership to ensure the overall well-being of the dog.