Is your male dog disobedient or dominant, pulls on the leash, marks every patch of grass, can’t resist mating with every female, mounts other dogs, and is occasionally aggressive? With such signs, many dog owners hope for quick relief through neutering. Indeed, neutering in the United States veterinary practices is booming among male dogs. It is referred to as a routine procedure, with its benefits highlighted. Therefore, owners quickly get the impression that by neutering their dog, they are “doing something good” for them. At the same time, awareness of the procedure and its consequences is increasing.

What does “Neutering” actually mean?

Neutering is the medical term for a surgical procedure in which the reproductive organs of the dog are removed. In males, this involves the removal of the testicles. In a female dog, neutering includes the removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and cervix. Neutering differs from sterilization, where the veterinarian only interrupts the vas deferens in males. Neutering therefore has significant effects on the dog’s hormone balance. With sterilization, however, the production of sex hormones remains intact. This means that your pet retains its sexual drive with sterilization, while neutering significantly reduces it.

Neutering is a definitive surgical procedure that cannot be reversed. It is performed under general anesthesia and may be accompanied by side effects.

Before considering neutering, the dog must undergo a thorough pre-examination – including parasite screening. Surgery is only performed if the dog is healthy.

Neutering in Male Dogs: Overview of the Procedure

Such surgical neutering is performed under general anesthesia. It is worth noting that in certain medical indications, only one testicle may be removed from a male dog. In this case, it is not considered neutering; the dog remains fertile even with only one testicle.

Dogs wake up from anesthesia after about one to two hours, but they remain groggy for a long time afterward, experience pain, and should not be left alone. Please administer appropriate pain medication to the animal according to veterinary instructions, which you will receive from the veterinarian to take home.

What is the mortality rate for dog neutering?

Since neutering is a surgical procedure, there is always the risk of complications. However, the risk of your dog dying from neutering is very low. The mortality rate is less than 1 percent.

What do you need to consider before neutering your dog?

Since neutering involves surgery under general anesthesia, you should take measures to minimize potential complications.

These include the following:

How long does it take for a male dog to heal after neutering?

The duration of the procedure itself typically lasts about half an hour. However, the dog remains under veterinary supervision until the anesthesia wears off and he can walk independently. Once this happens, you may take your pet home. The healing process then begins. For the first few days, you will usually receive pain medication for your dog. In total, you should rest your dog for 14 days. Walks should be limited to about 15 minutes three times a day. Keep your dog on a leash during walks and avoid playing with other dogs. Additionally, your dog should not jump up or down anywhere. Ideally, you should also prevent him from climbing stairs.

In general, no tension should be placed on the wound!

To prevent wound infection, the wound must remain clean and dry over the two-week period. The dog must not lick the wound under any circumstances. The oral cavity contains numerous bacteria that can penetrate the wound and spread throughout the body. To prevent licking, Elizabethan collars or special “pants” or bodysuits for dogs are recommended. Such dog clothing has the advantage of not restricting the dog’s freedom of movement and keeping him warm.

To be on the safe side, keep your dog wearing the collar or pants until the stitches are removed and even after the full two weeks have passed – the stitches are usually removed between the tenth and twelfth day after the operation. After that, the neutering process is complete, and your pet can play and frolic again.

Male Dog After Neutering: What to Consider?

Make sure your dog has plenty of water available. As soon as he returns home to you, he may drink. However, it’s better to wait until the next day at noon for the next meal. Otherwise, there may be post-anesthetic effects such as vomiting.

Check the wound daily. Look out for abnormalities such as swelling, redness, and the discharge of wound fluid, pus, or even blood. In such cases, you must immediately consult the veterinarian. Also, ensure that your male dog gets enough rest after neutering and give him two weeks of respite.

Caution: You should continue to keep your male dog away from female dogs in heat for two to three weeks. While the dog no longer produces new sperm, the existing sperm remains viable. Thus, the male dog remains fertile for some time after the procedure.

Also, consider that your dog will have a lower energy expenditure after neutering, as his metabolism slows down. At the same time, his appetite increases. Therefore, you should adjust the dog food or the feeding ration to prevent your furry friend from developing overweight. Food tailored to the needs of neutered animals ensures that your dog still receives all the essential nutrients. Special neutered food also reduces the risk of urinary stones through a high-quality protein composition, preserves lean muscle mass, and protects against premature cell aging. To ensure a smooth transition in the diet, it is advisable to start before the operation and gradually mix the old food with the new one.

How long does the hormone change take after neutering a male dog?

The hormone change after neutering occurs in male dogs approximately six weeks after the operation. For some animals, it takes a little longer, for others, less. This cannot be predicted exactly.

What does it cost to neuter dogs?

The costs of neutering dogs can vary greatly depending on the veterinarian or animal clinic. It is best to obtain several price quotes. Among other things, this depends on the fee schedule used for billing. In addition, factors such as size, medication consumption, surgical and anesthesia techniques, and any complications influence the total costs. On average, the cost of neutering a male dog ranges from $150 to $250.

When is the best time to neuter a dog?

Since the hormones produced in the testicles control the psychological and physical development of dogs, it is strongly recommended to neuter animals only after they have completed puberty. The duration of a dog’s puberty depends on the breed and environmental factors and cannot be generalized. For example, large dog breeds take more time to mature.

Sex hormones affect bone development. Therefore, dogs neutered too early show a significant tendency to joint problems and hip dysplasia. Only in exceptional cases (such as abnormal sexual behavior, aggression) and after thorough consultation with experts is early neutering indicated. Most male dogs neutered very early grow larger than their counterparts. This is due to the longer predominance of estrogen, which inhibits the closure of growth plates. Bone growth takes longer.

With too early neutering, it may also happen that the male dog retains his playful and slightly naive puppy character.

However, the risk of joint and bone diseases increases with older dogs. If you hope that neutering will bring about a positive change in behavior – for example, a reduction in bothersome sexual behavior or a calmer demeanor – the effect tends to diminish with age. However, undesirable behavior may not primarily be due to sexual hormones. It could also be a learned behavior that therefore does not change with neutering.

The optimal time for neutering a male dog depends less on age than on the individual reasons for the procedure. Therefore, it is best to consult with your veterinarian and decide together what is most sensible.

Neutering a Dog: Pros & Cons

Many dog ​​owners mistakenly see neutering as a quick solution to behavioral problems in dogs or as a preventive measure against possible cancer. But what are the actual effects of neutering in dogs?

Neutering does not have positive effects on the following problems:

What few dog owners know is that the sexual behavior coded in a dog’s brain cannot usually be corrected by neutering. For example, if your dog mounts other dogs, he will likely continue this behavior after neutering. Only professional training and behavior modification can help in such cases.

Possible disadvantages of neutering male dogs include:

The social behavior of dogs also changes: Neutered males may not be properly recognized or accepted by intact males, leading to communication errors. Some neutered males may be “bullied” or mounted by intact males.

Neutering a dog brings the following positive effects:

Furthermore, neutering is expected to reduce the risk of certain dog diseases such as testicular cancer and prostate problems in males.

In summary, when is it advisable to neuter a male dog?

Neutering a male dog is advisable in two cases:

Medically necessary neutering is required for malignant testicular tumors, cryptorchidism, inflammation or torsion of the testicle, and some prostate diseases. Injuries and fractures in the inguinal region may also necessitate neutering.

Neutering for behavioral reasons is only advisable if the behavior is actually related to sexual hormones. Some males have an excessively heightened sexual drive – hypersexuality. This excess testosterone can manifest in aggressive behavior towards other dogs or even humans. If your dog exhibits such problematic behavior, neutering may be a possible solution. However, do not decide hastily. Observe your male dog closely and discuss his behavior with your veterinarian. Aggression that is not sexually motivated will not disappear with neutering. Socialization and training play a crucial role here.

Will my male dog become calmer after neutering? – Effects of neutering

It is often heard that dogs become more balanced and calm after neutering. While this is true in many cases, it is not guaranteed. The reduction of testosterone levels itself does not affect factors such as activity level, temperament, or vocalization behavior. Each dog reacts individually. There is no behavior pattern that universally applies. Opting for neutering just to obtain a somewhat calmer dog may actually have the opposite effect.

This is another reason why you must carefully assess aggressive behavior. If it is not hormonally driven aggression but rather related to food or fear, it may lead to an increase in aggression. Very anxious dogs may become even more cautious. If your dog suddenly shows aggression after neutering, the cause may lie here. However, some animals may become aggressive after surgery due to pain. It’s best to wait and observe your dog for a few days.

Furthermore, be aware that despite neutering, your male dog may still become restless if he detects the scent of females in heat. While sexual drive typically decreases, it may not disappear completely in all dogs. Ultimately, each male dog behaves somewhat differently after neutering, which further explains why the decision to perform the procedure must be carefully considered.

Neutering doesn’t have to be immediate: “Temporary neutering” with the neutering chip

Sterilization is an effective method to prevent reproduction while keeping the dog hormonally intact. Sterilization is surgically reversible.
A new method of neutering is the Suprelorin implant. This is a neutering chip for dogs that chemically reproduces the effects of neutering through the active ingredient deslorelin. It is usually implanted in the dog’s shoulder blades, similar to placing a microchip for identification. Sometimes, the chip is placed in the abdominal area.

The neutering chip temporarily reduces libido, testosterone levels, and reproductive ability in male dogs. However, this effect lasts only six to 14 months. This provides enough time to test the effects of irreversible neutering “on trial,” as the side effects are reversible in this case. For example, you can determine which behavioral changes truly occur after the hormonal component is removed. Additionally, you can test the influence of neutering on the hierarchy and pack behavior in a multi-dog household.

The neutering chip is often referred to as chemical neutering. The effect begins after about two to three weeks. Six to eight weeks after implantation, the testicles have significantly decreased in size. The full effect of the medication is now achieved. However, you still need to be cautious if the dog comes into contact with females in heat during these initial weeks, as he remains fertile.

After the body has completely metabolized the implant, the body’s own hormone production resumes. This causes the testicles to return to their original size and consistency. The dog becomes fully fertile again.

Chemical neutering, or the neutering chip for male dogs, costs about $100 for six months. The cost for one year is approximately $175. You can discuss with the veterinarian which chip with what duration of action is suitable for you. Generally, the neutering chip is a short-term, test, or bridging solution. Long-term treatment carries the risk of unwanted side effects.

If chemical neutering could be an alternative for you or your dog, our veterinary team will be happy to provide comprehensive advice in a straightforward online session on the topic – either with or without a camera, via chat.

Important to know

According to § 6 of the Animal Welfare Act, it is considered illegal to remove or destroy healthy body parts of a dog, either fully or partially, without medical indication. Castration is considered an amputation and may only be performed if there is a medical necessity or to prevent uncontrolled reproduction. The latter applies especially to stray dogs, dogs from shelters, and working dogs. Preemptively castrating a dog is legally problematic, even punishable by law. Therefore, you must carefully make the decision to castrate and consult extensively with your veterinarian. Only if the veterinarian provides their recommendation can castration be carried out.

Endoscopic Castration

Endoscopic castration is considered a minimally invasive procedure. It is mostly used in male dogs suffering from cryptorchidism (undescended testicles).
Through small incisions – two to three small holes – the veterinarian inserts a special camera and the necessary surgical instruments. The minimal wounds reduce the risk of infection and postoperative pain. The healing process is significantly faster. After two to three days, the dogs are allowed to play and walk without a leash again.

Additionally, many dogs are not bothered by the small wounds. They have little desire to lick them, so wearing a protective body suit is only necessary on the first day or even not at all. There is no need to remove stitches, as the few knots at the incision sites dissolve on their own. Overall, the trauma of the operation and the rate of complications are lower with this approach. The disadvantages of this method are more on the side of veterinarians. An endoscopic procedure requires more staff in the operating room as well as special equipment, which in turn costs more. Therefore, the price for endoscopy is about $100 higher than for a conventional castration.

If cryptorchidism has been diagnosed in your male dog, you may inquire about endoscopic castration. In that case, it is the less stressful option for your dog and you.