Surgical sterilization of male dogs – known as neutering – is the removal of the dog’s testicles. The surgery is less invasive in males than the spaying of female dogs.
What behavioral changes can be expected after my dog is neutered?
The only behavior changes that are observed after neutering relate to behaviors influenced by male hormones. Playfulness, friendliness, and socialization with humans are not changed; however, some far less desirable behaviors do change. The interest in roaming, aggressive behavior towards other male dogs and urine marking is eliminated in most neutered dogs.
Will he still be interested in females?
His interest will be reduced, but if he is around a female dog in heat, he will become aroused by her. Neutering reduces hormone levels and hormonally-driven behavior, but will not necessarily eliminate them altogether. Note also that mounting behavior is part of normal dog play and can be seen in dogs of both sexes, even after spaying or neutering. Like other behavior, this can be managed or modified using rewards-based training methods.
What are the health benefits to the dog?
There are several health benefits to neutering. One of the most important concerns the prostate gland. Under the influence of testosterone, the prostate will gradually enlarge over the course of the dog’s life. In age, it is likely to become uncomfortable, possibly growing large enough to interfere with defecation. Infection is also more common when the prostate is under the influence of testosterone, and these infections are almost impossible to clear up without neutering the dog. Neutering causes the prostate to shrink into insignificance, thus preventing both infection of the prostate gland as well as the uncomfortable enlargement that occurs with aging.
Other health benefits of neutering include the prevention of certain types of hernias and tumors. Excessive discharge is also reduced by neutering.
At what age can neutering be performed?
At the Richmond SPCA’s Smoky’s Spay/Neuter Clinic, neutering can be performed beginning at 8 weeks of age. The same behavior and prostate health benefits can be realized no matter what age the dog is. In other words, a dog does not become "too old" to obtain the health and behavioral benefits of neutering.
Will he become over-weight or lethargic?
Activity level and appetite do not change with neutering. A male dog should not gain weight or become less interested in activity post neuter.
What if a dog has an undescended testicle?
Undescended testicles have an increased tendency to grow tumors and cause other complications. For these reasons, neutering is recommended for dogs with undescended testicles. This procedure is more complicated than a routine neuter; the missing testicle can be under the skin near the scrotum, or it may be inside the abdomen. Some exploration may be needed to find it, thus there is often an incision for each testicle.
Is neutering legally required?
A breeder’s permit is required for intact animals in the City of Richmond.
Compiled from The Pet Health Library by Wendy C. Brooks, DVM, DipABVP, Educational Director, VeterinaryPartner.com June 9, 2008
Related: Why all female dogs should be spayed
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