There are many reasons why you should consider neutering a dog. Most of which surround your dog’s health and wellbeing. That’s why it’s so important to collect your information from reliable and accurate sources, like a vet. We’ve sat down with Dr. Shaneez Wallani, a doctor of veterinary medicine, to understand why neutering is so important for your dog’s health.
Why is it important to neuter your dog?
As a preventative measure, neutering your dog can help protect against testicular cancer. It can also help reduce the risk of them developing an enlarged prostate gland, which can lead to infection, difficulty urinating or defecating, and pain.
Neutering a dog can also lessen the risk of behavioural issues associated with the urge to breed. For example, if your dog has a tendency to run away from home to visit a female down the street. This in turn keeps unwanted puppies off the streets. Every year, millions of puppies and dogs will die on the streets or be euthanized because they don’t have a family to care for them. Neutering can help prevent this.
What does the procedure involve?
The procedure involves the removal of the testes and is typically done under general anesthesia. In most cases, your dog is admitted to the hospital for a few hours the day of the procedure and will return home later that day, after the procedure is complete.
How can I prepare my dog for neutering?
Your dog’s comfort is always a top concern, especially when undergoing a medical procedure. One way to help make sure they’re comfortable prior to their appointment is by getting them used to the clinic. Taking them in to get treats and praise on days when they don’t need any medical procedures can help them feel more comfortable. Additionally, crate training your dog (even if you don’t crate them at home) can sometimes help them to feel more comfortable when visiting the vet.
What is the best age to neuter your dog?
This is a great question. The answer varies for each individual dog and is best answered by your dog’s veterinarian. Factors like your dog’s lifestyle, breed, temperament, and any medical conditions they may have are all important considerations when choosing when to neuter your pet. You should definitely discuss the timing of neutering a dog with your vet to help make the best choice for your pup.
On average, most dogs should be neutered between six months and two years of age. In many cases, large or giant dog breeds are neutered later than toy or small breeds. This is because larger dogs take a little longer to finish growing. If there are behavioural issues or other medical issues involved, your vet may recommend your dog be neutered earlier.
What should I expect after neutering a dog? Are there any behavioural or mood changes?
Don’t worry, your dog’s personality won’t change after they’re neutered. However, you might notice a decrease in behaviours like humping, urine marking, and roaming away from home. Additionally, neutering can result in weight gain in dogs, but this can be easily remedied by monitoring their calorie intake. If you have concerns about your dog’s nutritional needs after their procedure, always ask your vet.
How can I help my dog be more comfortable after their procedure?
An important part of keeping your pup comfortable after their surgery is making sure to give them the medication recommended by your vet. Additionally, keeping them from licking the incision site is also crucial. If you aren’t in the same room as your pup or if you’re sleeping and can’t closely monitor them, make sure your dog wears an e-collar or surgical suit to help prevent them from licking at the incision. I recommend staying home with your pet the night of their surgery so that you can monitor them carefully.
I’ve heard neutering a dog can stop aggressive behaviour—is that true?
Aggression (or reactivity) in dogs is often caused by a combination of factors. Often, aggression in dogs involves medical, behavioural, and environmental factors. While neutering a dog may help to reduce aggression, it is not a quick fix or a guarantee that aggression will stop. If your dog is reactive you will likely need to use a combination of medical, behavioural, and environmental management to help manage their behaviour.
Neutering, along with medication or supplements, is part of medical management for aggression. However, this is only a small part of a larger aggression management plan. If your dog is aggressive, I recommend speaking to a board-certified Veterinary Behaviorist. They can help you work on training and environmental management as well as medical management, and will create a plan tailored to your dog’s unique needs.
What are the risks of neutering a dog (if any)?
Although most dogs do very well after neuter surgery, as with any procedure, there are some potential complications to look out for. These can include:
- Infection of the incision site
- Dehiscence (opening up of the incision site)
- Swelling
- Redness
- Yellow or green discharge
- Foul odour
While a small amount of clear or pink discharge is normal, if you notice any of the above symptoms, I recommend that you contact your veterinarian immediately. These indicate that the incision site could be infected and require treatment. If the incision appears to be opening up, I recommend calling your vet right away. You’ll be able to see the bright red tissue under the skin. If this is the case, your dog may need surgical glue, stitches, or staples to close the site again.
The best way to help prevent these side effects is to monitor your dog closely and make sure they wear their e-collar after surgery.
How can I help them adjust after their procedure? Will my dog become lethargic or upset with me?
Your dog will likely not be upset with you after the surgery. They will probably simply be happy to be back home with you! However, you may notice some temporary changes to their routine. Much like a person would, they’ll need to rest well after the procedure. They are sometimes tired for a day or so but typically bounce back quickly. Another thing to keep in mind is that younger dogs typically will recover more quickly than older dogs. Dogs who are neutered later in life will need a few days to recover.
During their recovery, your dog may need a little extra love, cuddles, and attention! It’s important to also prevent any strenuous play or activities. I recommend puzzle toys or food dispensing toys to keep your pup busy, happy, and prevent boredom. In addition, scent training games can also be a fun way to play with your pet without overdoing exercise after surgery.
BIO:
Dr. Shaneez Wallani has over 10 years of experience across the US and Canada. She has a special interest in pain management, alternative therapies, and behaviour. Additionally, she is certified in Canine Massage Therapy and Low-Stress Handling (Silver Certified). She is also working towards certification in Canine Acupuncture. She decided to become a vet at the age of 3, after seeing and wanting to help an injured elephant in Kenya.
Dr. Wallani’s dog Niles is a Caribbean street dog, otherwise known as a “pothound” from Grenada. He is filled with the best energy and is a joy to have at The Pooches Playhouse. He always has a great time with all of his friends.
“He’s very energetic and it’s nice having a safe space for him to play and let off his energy with other dogs.”