The pros and cons of neutering your dog

What is dog neutering?

Neutering is the overarching term for castrating male dogs and spaying female dogs. It refers to safe surgical sterilisation, where dogs’ reproductive organs are removed, often to prevent unplanned reproduction.

The process of neutering is widely practised in the UK, with around three quarters of all dogs here neutered according to VetRecord. It is most common for dogs to undergo the neutering process when they are between six months old and two years old.

The benefits of dog neutering

While preventing unwanted litters is one of the main reasons to have your dog neutered, there are also a myriad of other potential benefits of neutering. It can be done to positively impact your dog’s health, behaviour, and overall wellbeing, with the following potential benefits:

• Preventing unwanted litters: Neutering stops accidental pregnancies, giving you peace of mind and helping to reduce the number of dogs going to animal shelters or becoming strays. 

• Potentially reducing the risk of serious illnesses: Neutering male dogs can help prevent prostate issues and remove the risk of testicular cancer (The Kennel Club), while spaying a female before its first season can reduce the risk of mammary tumours by over 99%. 

• Reducing marking indoors: If a male dog is neutered, it tends to be less likely to spray, where it marks its territory by urinating, in the home.  

• Improving training focus: A reduction in hormonal urges can help dogs to be more focused during training.  

• Lowering other hormone-driven behaviours: As well as improving focus and reducing spraying, neutered dogs are also less likely to roam for a mate, display hormone-driven aggression, or mount other dogs or objects. 

• Calming temperament: Adolescent dogs can sometimes be a lot calmer and more manageable once they have been neutered. 

• Helping to extend lifespan: Neutering can reduce the risk of life-threatening illnesses and the likelihood of roaming-related accidents, meaning neutered dogs can live longer overall (AVMA). 

Reasons not to neuter a dog

While there are advantages to having your dog castrated or spayed, there are also potential disadvantages of neutering that you should be aware of:

• Surgical risks: A very small minority of dogs can face anaesthetic and other surgical risks. 

• Behavioural changes: Neutering can sometimes lead to separation anxiety, an increased phobia of loud noises, and other behavioural changes. 

• Long-term health issues: Neutering may increase the risk of some long-term health issues, including obesity, urinary incontinence, cruciate and other joint disorders, and some cancers like osteosarcoma. 

• Potential growth and development impact: If your dog is neutered too early, it may affect their physical development. This can be especially true for larger breeds. 

When to neuter your dog

Most vets will recommend that, if you choose to neuter your dog, you should have the procedure done when they are between the ages of six months and two years old. However, this can depend on their breed, size, and stage of development. The Kennel Club points out that smaller breeds are often neutered earlier, with larger breeds being neutered later.

Your dog may display signs that lead you to making the decision to get them neutered, including mounting other dogs or objects, roaming, and females coming into their first season. It is always advisable to speak to your vet if you are unsure about neutering or have any questions.

Aftercare and recovery

While neutering is a common procedure and most dogs can go back home on the same day, aftercare is critical to help your dog make a comfortable, smooth recovery. Follow these tips for effective aftercare:

• Use a cone: Having your dog fitted with a cone will prevent licking. 

• Monitor for lethargy and infections: Keep a close eye on your dog and book in follow-up checks with the vet after three and 10 days. 

• Limit activity and adjust diet: Limit rigorous activity and adjust your dog’s diet accordingly to avoid weight gain. 

• Provide gentle care: Provide pain relief for your dog, as per your vet’s advice. 

Dog treats and dog medicine

If you need veterinary medicines prescribed by your vet as part of your dog’s post-neutering recover, or you just want to treat them to a tasty snack to keep them happy, explore the Pet Health section of the Pharmacy2U website for our pet prescriptions and shop.