Should You Neuter Your Dog? A Look at the Pros and Cons

A veterinarian carefully examines a dog's paw during a routine check-up in a clinical setting.

Neutering your dog is a decision that many pet owners face. While it’s a common procedure, there’s often some debate about whether it’s the right choice for every dog. Whether you’ve just got a new puppy or have an older dog that has yet to be neutered, understanding the benefits and potential risks of the procedure is essential.

Here’s a closer look at what neutering involves and the key factors to consider before making your decision.

What Does Neutering Involve?

Neutering, also known as spaying (for females) or castrating (for males), is a surgical procedure that removes the reproductive organs of your dog. For males, it involves removing the testes, while for females, it involves removing the ovaries and sometimes the uterus.

The Benefits of Neutering Your Dog

Preventing Unwanted Litters: One of the primary reasons for neutering is to prevent unplanned pregnancies. This is particularly important in areas with a high dog population, as walking a female dog in heat can be problematic!
Health Benefits: Neutering can provide health benefits for both male and female dogs. For males, neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and may reduce the risk of prostate problems. For females, spaying can prevent uterine infections (pyometra) and may reduce the risk of some breast cancers.
Behavioural Improvements: Neutering can also impact behaviour. Males may be less likely to roam in search of a mate. This can help reduce the risk of getting lost or injured. Additionally, spaying females eliminates the behaviours associated with heat cycles, as well as stopping unwanted male attention.
Convenience: Female dogs in heat will usually bleed for between 7-21 days, every 6 months or so. Whilst some dogs are very clean, many are not and will need to be confined or wear special pants or nappies to catch the mess.

Potential Drawbacks of Neutering

While neutering does have benefits, it’s not without its potential risks and downsides. Here are a few things to consider:

Surgery Risks: As with any surgery, neutering involves some level of risk. Anaesthesia can cause complications, especially in certain breeds or those with underlying health conditions. Though rare, there are risks of bleeding during or infection and wound breakdown after surgery.
Behavioural Changes: We no longer recommend neutering a male dog that is showing signs of dominance or aggression; in fact, neutering can actually worsen matters. Some dogs may also display territorial or aggressive behaviours that aren’t related to their reproductive organs. Behavioural changes in females such as increased anxiety are also possible, especially if they are spayed at the wrong point in their cycle.
Possible Weight Gain: Some neutered dogs may experience a change in metabolism, leading to weight gain. It’s important to monitor their diet and exercise levels to ensure they stay at a healthy weight.
Long-term health impacts: There is growing evidence about the potential negative long-term effects of neutering, especially when done at a young age. Some studies have suggested that early neutering can increase the risk of certain orthopaedic conditions (joint or bone issues such as arthritis) or some types of cancer, particularly in certain breeds.

When Should You Neuter Your Dog?

The ideal time to neuter your dog depends on several factors, including breed, size, overall health, as well as your specific situation. We no longer recommend early neutering for males or females, and advise that neutering is delayed until they’re fully grown to allow full joint and skeletal development, as well as mental maturity.

Final Thoughts: Is Neutering Right for Your Dog?

Neutering can offer a variety of benefits, from preventing unwanted litters to improving your dog’s health. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and it’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Ultimately, neutering should be a well-informed decision made in consultation with a vet. Here at Tribe, we can help you consider your dog’s individual health, breed, lifestyle and risk factors to determine whether or not neutering is the right choice, and if so, at what time. We can also talk you through alternatives such as contraceptive implants for males and laparoscopic options for females.