Disclaimer

Canine Neuter FAQ

Canine Neuter Surgery FAQ

Last Updated on February 5, 2024 by Denise Leo. Post first published on July 7, 2021.

Canine neuter surgery provides several health benefits for dogs. Before you make the decision to proceed with the dog neuter procedure familiarize yourself the dog neutering procedure.

You will probably want to ask how do vets neuter male dogs and should ask about any canine neuter procedure questions you might have? Most  owners usually have questions about dog neuter surgery side effects, the risk of dog neutering complications and male dog desexing aftercare instructions.

Why do People Neuter Dogs?

Dogs who are not neutered i.e. still entire are vulnerable to many health issues. One of the major worries is about the prostate gland. Testosterone can gradually cause the gland to grow bigger during the dog’s lifetime.

As the dog ages, it often becomes uncomfortable and if it grows so big, it may affect your pet’s ability to defecate. Infections can be caused when the prostate’s affected and neutering is the only way to solve this problem.

If your dog is neutered, his prostate may shrink a lot. It also prevents prostatitis and benign hyperplasia (an enlargement), both issues that occur as a dog gets older. There’s also a widely-held belief that if you neuter your dog, it will prevent the onset of prostate cancer. However, this is just a myth.

There are other benefits of having your dog neutered and they include: tumours in the anus and testicles, prevention of some forms of hernias and excessive preputial discharge.

Does Neutering Change Behaviour?

The only behavioural changes that may happen are those that are affected by changes in hormones. Your dog’s friendliness, playful nature and his social interactions with other people won’t be affected. The behaviours that generally change are the negative ones.

90% of neutered dogs lose their interest in roaming. 70% of neutered dogs will lose their desire to mount other dogs. 60% of dogs who are neutered lose their aggressive behaviour towards other male dogs. 50% of those dogs who are neutered stop urine marking.

Canine Neuter FAQ
Canine Neuter FAQ

How Do They Neuter a Male Dog?

Canine neuter surgical procedure involves the Vet cutting an incision a little forward of the scrotum. This incision is where the vet pulls the testicles through. Stalks are cut and tied and so castration is now done.

Do They Remove Testicles When Neutering a Dog?

If his testicles aren’t removed, the above-mentioned benefits won’t be realised. The vet may or may not use stitches for the incision.

Canine Neuter Discharge Instructions

Canine neuter discharge instructions will be provided by your Vet. Male dog neutering aftercare instructions will probably include the instructions for a light tasty evening meal for your dog, a warm soft bed inside, limit activity and the requirement for your dog to wear a cone to prevent damage to the incision.

Male dog desexing aftercare can occasionally include giving painkillers to your dog, which will need to be given for the first few days as per your Vet’s instructions.

Dog neutering complications and dog neuter surgery side effects are rare if the dog’s owner follows the vet’s instructions post surgery correctly.

What to Expect after the Dog is Brought Home from the Vet Hospital?

Male dog neutering recovery in younger male dogs is often very rapid. Owners should expect a male neutered dog’s scrotum to be swollen for the initial few days following the dog neuter procedure.  Some owners may think the procedure wasn’t done at all. If it’s an immature dog, his empty scrotum will flatten as he ages.

If he is as mature dog, it will stay as a skin flap. Occasionally the incision is slightly bruised.

Most dogs want to play as soon as they get home but, to ensure the incision stays intact, you need to stop him from playing boisterously.

Best Age to Neuter a Dog?

Provided that both testicles have dropped, age for dog neutering is after the age of eight weeks. If a dog is neutered before he hits puberty (around the six month mark) often grow larger than dogs who have it done after puberty.

Testosterone causes bones to stop growing so if the dog doesn’t have testosterone, the point at which the growth is stopped occurs later in his life.

The same health benefits and behaviour of the prostate can happen regardless of your dog’s age. This means no dog is “too old” to gain the benefits. Most vets say the ideal age for dog neutering is six months old.

 Side Effects of Neutering a Male Dog

Will the dog become lethargic or obese?

Your dog’s appetite and level of activity won’t change after the procedure. Nor should he gain weight.

Will he still like females?

His interest will drop but he’ll be aroused if he’s near a female dog in heat. Mounting is sometimes a sign of dominance and a male that has been neutered may mount for many reasons, not all motivated by sex.

Can male dogs still mate after being neutered?

Male dogs who are neutered as adults may retain the ability to mate with a bitch in season. There is no chance of puppies resulting from such a mating.

Canine Neuter FAQ
Canine Neuter FAQ

What if his Testicles Haven’t Dropped?

Tumours are more common in dogs with undescended testicles. They might get twisted on the stalks and cause potentially life-threatening inflammation. Neutering is strongly recommended for dogs if their testicles haven’t dropped.

However, the procedure is more complicated. The testicle might be under the skin along the path it would have taken to descend to his scrotum or it might be in his abdomen. The vet may need to do some exploring to locate it, so he may have two incisions.

The other testicle will be under-developed and sterile. If one has descended, it will be fertile. However, because retaining a testicle is genetic, it’s usually fertile and the dog shouldn’t be bred until after he has been neutered.

Are you Legally Required to Neuter your Dog?

Check with your local government office or council as some places do make it illegal not to neuter a dog because they’re trying to control the population of the pets.

Copyright Caninepals.Com. All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimer: The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your dog. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on ANY website.

Author

    by
  • Denise Leo

    My name is Denise Leo, and I hail from Australia. My journey with dogs, especially with the delightful Pomeranian breed, has been a lifelong passion extending over 50 years. I have had the honor of breeding and exhibiting close to 100 Pomeranian Champions, dedicating many years to the intricate art of dog training across various disciplines. Beyond the show ring, my experience stretches to the pastoral fields as both a Dairy Farmer and Beef Cattle Breeder, where working with dogs of all breeds has been an integral part of my daily life. This diverse exposure has deepened my understanding and appreciation for these incredible animals. I firmly believe that dogs are the most extraordinary beings in our universe, capable of offering us unconditional love that surpasses even their own self-interest. The countless wonderful dogs that have shared my life over the years have not only brought immense joy and companionship but have also profoundly enriched my existence in ways I could never have imagined. About us page