Prostatic disease including benign hyperplasia, prostatitis, and cancer causes significant discomfort in intact male dogs, with castration being the most effective welfare protection for most conditions.
Prostatic disease causes ongoing discomfort and welfare compromise in affected intact male dogs. BPH creates chronic discomfort from prostate enlargement, and straining to defecate is an uncomfortable daily experience. Acute prostatitis causes severe pain and systemic illness. The near-universal development of some degree of prostatic disease in older intact male dogs makes this a significant population-level welfare concern. Castration prevents BPH entirely and is an effective welfare intervention for most prostatic conditions. Medical alternatives for owners wishing to maintain intact status can manage the condition but require ongoing monitoring.