How to Recognize When Your Dog Needs to Be Neutered

Is your dog engaging in awkward humping? 

Is your dog experiencing behavioral problems due to being in heat? 

Many pet owners encounter this problem. We’re here to help. Today, we’ll talk about neutering – what it is, why it’s important for your dogs, the advantages it offers, and how to tell if your dog needs to be neutered. So sit back, relax with a cup of coffee, and discover more about the neutering procedure. 

What is Neutering and Why Should You Consider It?

Neutering is a simple surgery for male dogs, performed by a veterinarian, where the testicles are surgically removed. This prevents them from impregnating female dogs and having puppies. It’s sometimes referred to as “the big snip.”

There are important reasons to consider neutering. It significantly reduces the risk of serious diseases like testicular and prostate cancer. Additionally, it helps control the population of pets. Opinions on neutering vary among dog owners, with some considering it cruel and others viewing it as necessary.

For most dogs, veterinarians recommend waiting until they reach puberty, typically around six to eight months of age. Larger dogs may need to wait until they are around 12 months old.

While the surgery isn’t easy for puppies, it helps eliminate many risks and potential behavioral problems later in life. It takes a few days for dogs to heal, and they may experience some pain at the surgical site.

During this time, your dog will require extra love and care as they adjust and recover from the initial discomfort. Some dogs may need to wear a protective cone to prevent them from licking the incision area.

Signs Your Dog Needs to Be Neutered

Roaming Behavior

If your male dog keeps wandering away, looking for a mate, it’s a sign that he needs to be neutered. Neutering can help reduce his strong urge to explore beyond your home.

Image Credit: Pexels 

Aggression Towards Other Dogs

Unneutered male dogs can be more aggressive, especially towards other male dogs. Neutering can help make them calmer and less aggressive by lowering their hormone levels. It can lead to more peaceful interactions with other dogs.

Image Credit: Pexels 

Marking Territory

Dogs, especially unneutered males, have a natural instinct to mark their territory by peeing in different places. However, unneutered males tend to mark more often and in more locations, including inside the house. Neutering can reduce this marking behavior, resulting in a cleaner home.

Excessive Mounting

Unneutered male dogs may excessively mount other animals, objects, or even people. Neutering can help decrease this behavior by reducing the hormones that drive it. It promotes more appropriate social interactions and avoids uncomfortable situations.

Unwanted Breeding

If you don’t want your dog to have puppies, neutering is strongly recommended. Unneutered dogs can reproduce and contribute to the pet population, leading to more stray or unwanted puppies. Neutering prevents unplanned litters, reducing the burden on shelters and ensuring responsible pet ownership.

Does Getting Neutered Hurt? 

During the surgery, your dog will be unconscious and won’t feel any pain. After waking up, your vet will provide further medication if needed. The pain medication is given through an injection and typically lasts for 12-24 hours after the surgery.

Your vet may also prescribe take-home pain meds to help with post-operative pain. Commonly prescribed medications for managing pain after spaying or neutering are Torbugesic or Rimadyl.

It’s crucial to carefully follow your vet’s instructions regarding pain medication for your dog after neutering. Never give your dog human pain meds! Some medications that work for humans can be toxic to dogs.

By the way, have you considered getting your dog certified as an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)? It can provide additional benefits for both you and your dog. Talking to an ESA doctor about it might be a good idea!

How to Make Your Dog Comfortable After Surgery?

After your dog’s neuter surgery, it’s important to provide a soothing environment for their recovery. Here are some tips to help comfort your dog:

• Find a quiet spot indoors where your dog can rest undisturbed, away from other animals and young children.
• For about two weeks after the surgery, prevent your dog from running, jumping, or going up and down stairs. Follow your vet’s guidance on activity restrictions, as your dog may need additional limitations.
• Even if your dog seems sad, it’s crucial to have them wear a postoperative jumpsuit or a cone (Elizabethan collar) to prevent them from licking the incision site. Licking can lead to infection.
• To promote speedy healing, avoid bathing your dog or letting them swim for at least ten days after the surgery.
• Check the incision site every day for signs of infection or to ensure proper healing.

Summing Up

If you don’t plan on breeding your dog, getting them neutered is a great idea. The benefits to their health outweigh any risks.

Neutering costs can vary in the United States, starting as low as $35 and going up to $300, depending on the vet clinic. Organizations like ASPCA also offer affordable spay/neuter procedures to promote good health and reduce pet overpopulation.

Taking the step to neuter your dog shows you’re a responsible owner, always considering their health and well-being. Recognizing the signs that your dog needs to be neutered can help you understand the importance of their hormones for their overall health.