January 29th, 2021

Everything You Need To Know About Dog Neutering

Maybe you just got a new puppy, and you’re considering getting him neutered, but you have questions. Here’s some information about dog neutering to help you make an informed decision that you can feel confident in for you and your pup.

What Is Dog Neutering?

Knowing what dog neutering is might help alleviate your fears and bring you peace of mind. Neutering is a surgical procedure where both of your dog’s testicles are removed as a way to make them sterile. A neutered dog will no longer be able to reproduce, so if you’re considering breeding your dog, you will want to avoid this surgery.

What Are The Benefits Of Dog Neutering?

While neutering is primarily performed to stop reproduction, it’s not the only reason an owner might want their dog to undergo this procedure. Neutering also:

Stops or decreases sexual urges.
Eliminates the risk of your dog developing testicular cancer.
May reduce aggression.
Reduces the risk of your dog developing a prostate infection (prostatitis) and an enlarged prostate, which can occur as your dog gets older.
Reduces the risk of your dog suffering from perianal adenoma – a benign tumor that forms around the anus and is caused by hormones.
May reduce separation anxiety.
And – perhaps best of all – neutered dogs have been known to live longer than intact dogs.

Are There Disadvantages To Neutering?

While a neutered dog may outlive an intact dog, some studies have shown that a sterile male dog might suffer from certain health conditions. Among which are:

A reduced metabolism. While dog neutering may decrease your dog’s metabolism, obesity can be avoided by ensuring that your dog is fed the proper amount of food and gets plenty of exercise.
Large breed dogs will benefit from getting neutered when they’re a little bit older. If a large breed dog is neutered before their bone growth is finished, it can negatively impact their ligaments and eventually cause knee injury.
A dog who undergoes sterilization at a young age may be at risk of developing a noise phobia. To avoid this, ask your vet how old your dog should be before getting them neutered.

When Should You Get Your Dog Neutered?

Many veterinarians suggest getting your dog neutered when they are around six months old. However, this can vary depending on the breed of dog you have. If you have a large breed puppy, consult with your veterinarian first.

While you might be nervous for your dog to undergo surgery, rest assured that dog neutering is a very common procedure and generally considered one of the best options to help your dog live a long and healthy life.

dog neutering

Do Dog Kennels Take Male Dogs That Are Intact?

Every dog boarding and doggie day care facility is different. Some places will not take an intact male dog after a certain age. At Rocky’s Retreat, our approach to this situation is vastly different from other boarding facilities. We are one of the only – if not the only – facility in town that welcomes dogs of a certain age even if they are still intact.

At Rocky’s Retreat, we can help you keep an eye on your recently neutered dog at our doggie daycare. Contact us today to schedule a tour.