Whereas we would always advise spaying your bitch if you are not going to breed, castrating your dog is more of an individual decision. There are advantages both behavioual and health wise for having your dog neutered, but leaving them entire does not mean they will definitely suffer problems. This page will take you through the advantages of castrating your dog, but the final decision is up to you.
What does castration involve?
When should I have my dog castrated?
Why should I have my dog castrated?
Are there any disadvantages to castration?
Postoperative care
Castration myths
What does castration involve? Back to top
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When a male dog is castrated, both testicles are removed through a skin incision just in front of the scrotum.
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The scrotal sack is left in place, but this generally shrinks with time
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This procedure is carried out under a general anaesthetic.
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The operation itself normally takes between 30-40 minutes.
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Some vets will place stitches in the skin which are dissolvable, others will place ones which need to be removed about 10 days after the operation.
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| This dog is clipped and prepped for a castration surgery. |
This picture shows the surgery being carried out. One testicle has been removed from the scrotum |
The same dog post surgery. The incision is just in front of the scrotum, and sutures have been placed which will need to be removed 10-14 days post operatively |
When should I have my dog castrated? Back to top
- You can have a dog castrated at any age, the earliest is from about 6 months old depending on the breed of dog.
- If your dog starts to display any unwanted behaviour related to testosterone production such as aggression, not responding to commands, or sexual behaviour, the sooner they are castrated the better.
- Dogs start to enter sexual maturity around 6-9 months old, and this is when problems with behaviour can start to occur.
Why should I have my dog castrated? Back to top
- There are many advantages to castration, but the problems listed below will not always occur if your pet is left entire. Therefore, castration is an individual decision for you as an owner, as every dog and the situations they are in is different.
- Aggressive behaviour is less likely - entire males are driven by testosterone, and some will try to become the leader of their pack, which is your family. They can become aggressive, and difficult to discipline, especially towards younger members of the family. This will not occur in all entire males, and good training will help establish their position in the pack. However, in some individuals castration can be very helpful.
Remember, castration is not the final solution to behavioural problems, good training and discipline is always required!
- Overly sexual behaviour is stopped - When a dog reaches sexual maturity, they will seek an outlet for their urges. In some dogs this is relatively mild, but in others it is very marked and can cause problems. Some dogs can be prolific masturbators, both with toys and peoples legs! Others will start to stray in search of entire bitches. Castration will generally halt this behaviour, but the earlier it is done the better.
- Health problems are less likely - castration involves the removal of the testicles, so there is no chance of testicular cancer, and the chances of developing other cancers which are testosterone responsive are reduced. There is also a lower risk of some prostate problems in castrated dogs
Are there any disadvantages to castration? Back to top
- There are very few disadvantages to having your dog castrated, it is a quick, safe and routine procedure, and there are no risks to your pet though having low testosterone levels.
- You will be unable to breed from your dog. Castration is not a reversible procedure.
- Your dog will undergo a general anaesthetic. General anaesthetics are very safe, especially in young dogs, but all involve some risk, however low, to your pet. If you have any concerns, you should talk to your vet.
Post operative care Back to top
- The most important thing you can do after your dog's surgery, is to keep him rested. Lead only exercise until the stitches are out is advisable.
- The scrotum is very sensitive and can easily bruise or swell. Sometimes it can become so swollen it looks like your dog hasn't been castrated! Again rest is important to prevent this from happening.
- It is also important he doesn't bother with the wound by scratching or licking at it. This will cause it to become inflamed, painful and possibly infected.
- If you think your dog may bother with the wound, your vet should be able to provide you with a 'buster collar', this is a lamp-shade collar which will mean he cannot reach it.
- Your vet should book at least one post operative check up to ensure things are healing properly. However, if you are concerned at all, you should seek veterinary advice immediately.
Castration myths Back to top
- Castration will make my dog fat
- FALSE - castrating your dog will slow down his metabolism and may make him less active. However, this is easily compensated for by cutting down on his food intake.It is over eating, not castration which makes neutered dogs over weight!
- Castration is unnatural -
- FALSE - Often, the way our dogs live these days is unnatural, with little contact with other dogs and in a family unit. Entire males can find this frustrating, especially if they are of a dominant character or they live near entire females.
- Castration will change my dogs personality -
- FALSE - this is not the case, and often, castrated males can make better pets as they are less prone to aggression and mood swings.
Please note, this is an advice only website, if you have any specific queries or concerns about your pet, you should contact your veterinary surgeon.