Neutering a dog: what should I keep in mind?
Dog neutering is a very common operation used to eliminate your pet's sexual needs. This procedure is mandatory when adopting your pet from shelters, thus preventing dogs from reproducing and, therefore, reducing the chances of other animals being abandoned. However, neutering a dog has other advantages and a series of health-related benefits for your pet, beyond those mentioned above.
In this article, we'll explain everything you need to know about neutering. We'll review the benefits of neutering a dog and answer questions such as how much it costs to neuter a dog, when to do it, and when the effects of neutering a dog are noticeable. We also explain the difference between neutering and spaying—one of the most common questions among pet owners in these cases. We recommend that you continue reading this article for more information.
Now, as we always say, before making any decision that could affect your pet's health, discuss your dog's needs with your trusted veterinarian.
What is castration?
Dog neutering is an operation used to eliminate a pet's sexual instinct. Neutering dogs is an invasive technique that involves surgically removing the pet's sexual glands. That is, the testicles in the case of males—but preserving the scrotum—and the ovaries in the case of females. Neutering dogs effectively renders the pet sterile, preventing unwanted pregnancies and eliminating sexual activity . Neutering results in a reduction of hormones , which directly impacts the animal's behavior—especially in the case of males—and can be very beneficial in many cases, as we see below.
Benefits of neutering a dog
As we explained above, one of the main benefits of neutering a dog is that it prevents unwanted pregnancies and reduces the risk of abandoning pets. However, neutering a dog has a number of other benefits, many of them related to its health. We'll discuss them below:
Benefits of neutering a dog
These are the benefits of neutering a dog:
- It is an appropriate treatment for aggression as it reduces the dog's desire to fight other dogs and improves its socialization.
- Neutered dogs are easier to train, are just as affectionate and playful, and have the same temperament as before the operation.
- The secretion of smegma, a yellowish substance composed of dead cells and dirt that accumulates in the genitals, is reduced.
- They urinate less to mark their territory.
- They don't pee on themselves when they get older.
Benefits of neutering a female dog
- These are the benefits of neutering a female dog:
- Significantly reduces the risk of infections.
- Reduces the chances of developing breast and uterine cancer—when castrations are performed early.
- Disappearance of heat symptoms, such as bleeding.
- Avoid psychological pregnancies.
Risks or disadvantages of dog neutering
Before deciding to neuter your pet, keep in mind that, as with any invasive procedure, neutering can carry a number of risks. These are the potential drawbacks of neutering:
- Weight gain: Hormonal changes associated with neutering can lead to a change in metabolism, increasing the dog's appetite.
- Urinary incontinence: Depending on the pet's age and breed, neutering can lead to urinary incontinence. This problem is more common in females and large breeds like the Great Dane.
- Problems affecting the development of the body and mind: In the case of early castrations, due to hormonal changes, such as musculoskeletal disorders or stagnation of mental development.
- Coat changes: In the case of dogs with long hair.
How much does it cost to neuter a dog?
To answer the question of how much it costs to neuter a dog, you should keep in mind that the price usually varies from one veterinarian to another, as it depends on supply and demand . Thus, the estimate usually ranges between 100 and 250 euros for males; and between 200 and 300 euros for females. The cost of neutering also depends on the type of anesthesia and the geographic area. Operations on males are simpler than those on females, which is why they are more economical.
When to neuter a dog?
It's not always appropriate to neuter a dog. Each animal's age, breed, sex, and special circumstances must be taken into account. Therefore, it's best in all cases to consult a veterinarian beforehand and, if you're not satisfied with the answer, seek a second opinion. Keep in mind that, as with any invasive operation—one that uses general anesthesia—there are associated health risks. Now, if we focus the question of when to neuter a dog on the appropriate age, we should consider the following:
The age to neuter a dog ranges from 6 to 12 months to avoid the effects of early neutering, mentioned above. However, for large breed dogs and those predisposed to joint diseases, it is recommended to wait until they are one or one and a half years old to allow more time for the animal's musculoskeletal system to mature.
When do you notice the effects of neutering a dog?
Recovery from this surgery is usually rapid. For males, recovery typically lasts about three days, while for females, it lasts about a week. It's important to pay close attention to them and prevent sudden movements and touching the wound. The effects of castration will begin to be seen from the second week onwards , a period during which the body's sex hormones completely disappear. Keep in mind, however, that in males, sperm can remain in the epididymis for about two months after castration.
Difference between neutering and spaying
The difference between neutering and spaying is very simple. In the case of neutering , the operation is more invasive , since the dog's glands—testicles and ovaries—are removed. Castration achieves sterility, but also inhibits sexual activity . In the case of sterilization, the dog's fertility is prevented, but normal sexual behavior is maintained . Spaying involves sectioning the ducts that connect the testicles to the penis—known as the seminiferous ducts—and in the case of females, the veterinarian performs a tubal ligation. This is the main difference between neutering and spaying. Another notable difference is the price . Spaying is more expensive than spaying, since the operation is more complex. However, both require general anesthesia.