Should you neuter your dog?
The advantages and disadvantages of neutering
Understanding Neutering
At Animal Trust, we believe that neutering your dog is usually the responsible decision to help safeguard your dog's health and well-being. By neutering your pet early, you can prevent unwanted pregnancies and give them benefits like a significantly lower risk of mammary tumours in female dogs and avoid serious health issues like pyometra later in their lives.
And you're not only helping your pet live a healthier life but also contributing to the well-being of other animals and reducing the number of unwanted pets in the community. However, the decision isn’t quite a one size fits all and in this article we discuss some of the factors that may affect when to neuter your dog, or indeed whether in some cases neutering isn’t the right decision for them.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of neutering
Dogs (Male): Males with undescended testicles should always be neutered as a high proportion will develop testicular cancer otherwise. For other dogs there are a mix of benefits and disadvantages with neutering, see below.
Dogs (Female):
For female dogs, spaying is usually best done 2-3 months post-season, when hormone levels are at their lowest. It is important they are not neutered during their season as the risk of complications is much higher.
Advantages and disadvantages of neutering a male dog
• Advantages •
Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer
Greatly reduces the risk of prostate disease
Can have a beneficial effect on some problem behaviours such as aggression, roaming and urine marking
Reduces frustration, some dogs may go off their food if there is a female in heat nearby and may be more likely to roam
Controls or eliminates growth of perianal adenomas
Prevents perineal hernia formation
• Disadvantages •
May exacerbate fear/anxiety-based aggression
Neutered dogs burn fewer calories at rest so are more prone to weight gain, this can be managed by a healthy diet and exercise
Neutering of older dogs may cause changes in temperament, so it is generally advised to be done earlier rather than later
There appears to be a slightly increased risk of hypothyroidism in neutered animals
Advantages and disadvantages of neutering a female dog
• Advantages •
Prevents unwanted pregnancy
Greatly reduces risk of mammary tumours, especially if spayed before the first season
Eliminates risk of pyometra (affects up to 25% of unneutered female dogs and can be fatal)
Prevents false pregnancies, which are a natural reaction to hormones in females; however, some individuals can be very subdued, go off their food and they may even become unwell
May reduce aggression between females in a household
Prevents unwanted attention from male dogs
May help with the management of some diseases such as epilepsy and diabetes
• Disadvantages •
Occasionally may cause changes in hair coat quality; however, this is purely cosmetic
Neutered animals burn fewer calories at rest so are more prone to weight gain, this can be managed by healthy diet and exercise
Neutered females are slightly more prone to urinary incontinence as they age. This risk is increased in large breeds, especially if neutered early. USMI affects approximately 3% of bitches in the UK. This is thought to be due to a combination of decreased hormones and sometimes weight gain. It is well managed with medication in most cases.
Does the size of my dog affect when I should neuter?
For some large breed (20kg +) like Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and German Shepherds, it is sometimes advised to wait until skeletal maturity before neutering as some studies have shown that early neutering in these breeds may increase the risk of joint disorders and some other conditions later in life. Therefore 18 months old can be a sensible time for neutering but it can be earlier can be done if it is necessary for other reasons.
In contrast small breeds generally, small breeds do not show the increased risk of joint disorders and can therefore be neutered at a younger age.
Will my dog be more at risk of urinary incontinence after neutering?
The vast majority of dogs will not have any adverse effects, however, a 2019 study found that some large breeds such as Irish Setters, Dobermans, Weimaraners, Hungarian Vizslas, and Dalmatians have a higher risk of early-onset urinary incontinence post-neutering. This is particularly so for female dogs and if neutered before 6 months. Therefore, delayed neutering until older is sometimes done in these breeds.
Does neutering affect a dog's behaviour?
Dogs with anxiety, nervousness, or fear aggression may benefit from being neutered after maturity (12-24 months) or in some cases it may be decided not to neuter at all; however, some dogs with behavioural issues will benefit from neutering as testosterone can increase aggressive behaviour, primarily between male dogs. A hormonal implant, which lowers testosterone levels, may be used before surgical castration to assess potential behavioural changes, as unlike surgery the implant affect is reversible.
It’s important to remember that testosterone is not involved in most disobedient behaviours and. hard-wired behaviours like humping and mounting may persist in neutered animals as learned behaviours.
Animal Trust is a trading name of Animal Trust Vets CIC, a community interest company registered in England and Wales. Company Registration No: 07938025
Registered Office: Animal Trust Administration Centre, Cedab Road, Ellesmere Port, CH65 4FE