Dog Neutering

Many people get their dogs neutered for many reasons – health, temperament, and avoiding unwanted pregnancies being just a few! Below are some of the benefits for both sex of dog.

For male dogs:

  • Unneutered dogs have a greater tendency to become frustrated, and be aggressive towards other dogs, as well as inviting aggression from other dogs more so than castrated dogs.
  • They are also more likely to wander; increasing their risk of being hit by vehicles or getting into fights with other animals.
  • Regarding illness, dogs who have been castrated have a largely reduced chance of certain cancers, and particularly prostate disease.

For female dogs:

  • Female dogs who have been neutered have greatly reduced risk of contracting breast cancer, particularly if they are neutered in their first season. The risk of Pyometra (an infection of the womb common in older dogs) is also considerably reduced.
  • Pregnancy and birth, although natural, can cause health complications. It is common for unneutered female dogs to have a false pregnancy, which can lead to medical and behavioural problems.

For you:

  • Be prepared to deal with the amorous intentions of an unneutered dog – affections which can be directed towards inanimate objects, other animals, and people!
  • When in season, many male dogs will be attracted towards a female, and can be typically unrelenting about this.
  • An average litter for dogs is 5 or 6 puppies, however for some breeds this can be as many as 12. If your female dog falls pregnant, be prepared to look after her during the pregnancy, birth, and then her and the puppies afterwards. Finding good homes for the puppies can be quite a challenge.
  • Female dogs in heat produce a bloody discharge for three weeks or more, which can be messy!

For dog-kind:

  • Thousands of dogs are put to sleep annually because of the lack of demand for them. By neutering your dog, you can help stop this cycle.

What happens after the surgery?

Your dog’s personality won’t change if it is neutered, however certain unsavoury behaviours decrease – wandering, spraying urine, getting into fights, and mounting.

When your dog is neutered, it will also need to eat slightly less food – be careful to adapt to this so it doesn’t become overweight.

If your dog is pedigree and neutered, then it can be shown in accordance with Kennel Club Rules.