Positive Effects of Neutering Your Dog
Neutering affects your dog’s health. Your dog becomes infertile due to the absence of sex hormones, eggs, and sperm. Neutering thus prevents unwanted reproduction and litters of puppies. Beyond infertility, neutering has other effects on your dog’s health and behavior:
Positive Health Effects of Neutering
Sex hormones influence various bodily processes. When these hormones are removed via neutering, the following health benefits can occur:
Male Dogs
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Protects against benign prostate enlargement.
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Reduces the risk of chronic prostate inflammation, perianal gland tumors, and perineal hernia.
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Prevents diseases of the testicles, such as testicular cancer and inflammation of the testicles and epididymis.
Female Dogs
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Reduces the risk of mammary tumors. The protective effect is strongest if the dog is neutered before her first heat cycle and decreases with each additional cycle.
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Lowers the risk of uterine infections. This also applies if only the ovaries are removed, since uterine infections often arise due to hormonal influence. Other uterine diseases, such as tumors, also become rare.
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Lower risk of developing diabetes later in life due to hormonal changes.
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No more heat cycles and false pregnancies.
Positive Effects of Neutering on Your Dog’s Behavior
Hormones influence your dog’s behavior, most notably in males. Neutered males are less inclined to roam or chase females in heat. It usually reduces hormone-driven aggression toward other males, marking, and mounting. Research shows that the timing of neutering affects its positive behavioral outcomes.
Negative Effects of Neutering Your Dog
There are also some negative health effects of neutering:
Male Dogs
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Increased risk of prostate cancer. Though rare, this condition is often malignant. Certain breeds, such as Bouviers, are more prone. If a male is neutered at a young age (around 7 weeks), the foreskin, penis, and penile bone may be underdeveloped.
Female Dogs
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Incontinence may occur after neutering. Breed plays a role—it’s more common in Boxers, Dobermans, and Rottweilers. The timing of neutering also matters. Incontinence risk decreases if the dog has had one heat cycle before neutering. Neutering before the first cycle increases the risk. Incontinence is treated with medication. Neutering before the first heat also increases the risk of vaginal infections.
For both males and females, neutering increases the likelihood of becoming overweight due to a change in metabolism and energy needs. Switching to a light diet suitable for neutered dogs is advised. In some medium- to long-haired breeds, coat quality may change—the coat becomes woollier, curlier, and harder to groom. Breeds like Cocker Spaniels, Irish Setters, Newfoundlands, and Golden Retrievers are more prone to this.
To Neuter or Not to Neuter?
There are both pros and cons to neutering your dog. Medically, the benefits and risks vary between males and females and between different breeds. The age at which you neuter your dog also plays a role. Behaviorally, there are also pros and cons. It’s important to carefully evaluate your dog’s behavior. If the behavioral issues are unrelated to hormones, neutering is unlikely to help. Genetics, socialization, and upbringing also significantly influence behavior.
What Is the Best Age for Neutering?
Recommendations can vary. Our advice:
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Male dogs: from around 9 months old, preferably not before puberty
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Female dogs: between the first and second heat cycles
If you’re unsure whether neutering will negatively affect your dog, always consult your veterinarian.
Alternatives to Neutering
For female dogs, hormone injections are available that postpone the heat cycle and make the dog temporarily infertile. However, long-term use has adverse side effects. For male dogs, chemical castration is an option via an implant. This makes the male temporarily infertile, allowing you to assess the behavioral effects before making the procedure permanent.
If you’re considering neutering due to bothersome sexual behavior, there are also supplements that can help, such as Puur Hypersex.
Aftercare Following Spaying or Neutering
After neutering, your dog should rest for about 10 to 14 days to allow the wound to heal. Your dog should not lick the wound. It’s advised to use a protective shirt or collar. A protective shirt offers your dog more freedom of movement.
How Long Should Your Dog Wear a Protective Shirt After Spaying?
How long your dog needs to wear the protective shirt depends on the wound and your dog. If the wound is small and healing well, the shirt can often be removed after 2–3 days, unless your dog keeps trying to lick the wound. In that case, it may be wise to keep the shirt on for a few days after the stitches are removed. Removing the stitches may cause some irritation. Some dogs try to lick the area even later on, usually because the internal stitches are starting to dissolve.
A protective shirt (or collar) is mainly intended to prevent your dog from licking the wound. As long as your dog continues to lick, the wound should be protected. Always monitor the wound closely. If it turns red, forms a lump, or discharges fluid, have it checked by your veterinarian.
How Long Is a Dog Still Fertile After the Procedure?
After neutering, a male dog can remain fertile for about 6 weeks due to residual sperm in the vas deferens. A female dog is infertile immediately after the procedure.
Do you still have questions about neutering or spaying after reading this article? Contact our veterinary team via [email protected].
