Why is neutering dogs recommended?
Much research has been done about the health and behavioral impacts of neutering in pet dogs. Pet overpopulation is a global concern, and unplanned litters account for a staggering amount of euthanasia in the United States and around the world. Preventing unplanned litters is a crucial part of responsible pet ownership.
Neutering is one way to prevent unplanned litters, although the benefits, risks, and ideal timing of this procedure have come under scrutiny within the veterinary science community in recent years.
What happens to my dog when he is neutered?
Neutering (castration) is the surgical removal of the testicles.
- Removing the testicles removes the primary source of testosterone in the body, resulting in changes in sex drive, hormone-related behaviors, and hormone-related health concerns.
- Removing the testicles protects against some later-life health concerns such as testicular cancer and prostate enlargement, as well as hormone-related tumors of the perineum.
- Neutering young dogs has been associated with an increased risk of some musculoskeletal disorders and cancers.
When should my dog be neutered?
Not all dogs are the same physiologically, and different breeds and sizes of dogs may have different optimal ages for castration. Ask your veterinarian to discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and optimal age of neutering for your dog.
Historically, veterinarians recommended neutering dogs before puberty, thus minimizing the risk of unplanned litters and potentially offering behavioral benefits. Adolescence is the period when dogs mature sexually and socially, and it can span from 6 to 36 months, depending on the size and breed of dog.
Hormone surges during puberty influence behavior, so pre-puberal castration was recommended to prevent the appearance of some undesirable, hormonally influenced behaviors. New research indicates that neutering dogs before they are physically mature may make them more susceptible to certain musculoskeletal injuries. Regardless of what age you neuter your dog, your veterinarian can offer suggestions for training and management to help you guide your dog through adolescence.
How does neutering affect dog behavior?
Many factors influence a dog’s behavior, and hormones are one of them. Testosterone mainly influences behaviors related to reproduction: mate-seeking, sex drive, urine marking, and aggression between males. Testosterone may also have an effect on confidence, fear, and anxiety.
"Many factors influence a dog’s behavior, and hormones are one of them."
Neutering often reduces undesirable sexual behaviors, such as urine marking and mounting. Some sexual behaviors can be dangerous, for example, male-male aggression or mate-seeking, which could send a dog roaming into traffic.
For many years, neutering was routinely recommended for all dogs displaying unwanted aggression. New evidence suggests that neutering could exacerbate some types of aggression, so a better approach is to understand and address the reasons for the aggressive response rather than routinely having your dog neutered. Your veterinarian may suggest a consultation with a veterinary behaviorist.
Is there an alternative to neutering my dog?
Dogs can also be sterilized using vasectomy. In dogs for which castration at any age may be associated with adverse health or behavioral risks, vasectomy is an excellent alternative to prevent unplanned litters and continue to control the pet overpopulation epidemic. In some regions, it is possible to use medication (a hormone implant) to sterilize male dogs. The effects of the implant are temporary and need to be repeated every 6–12 months to maintain sterility.
