Neutering

Part of being a responsible dog owner is making sure your dog cannot breed indiscriminately. Most owners opt for neutering, but many choose to manage their dogs to avoid accidents

Neutering is done by a vet, and the dog goes under general anaesthetic. It can usually be done from about six months old, but there are no hard rules. It’s up to you and your vet to decide. 

The health benefits of neutering include a reduced risk of some cancers. In males, it prevents testicular cancer and reduces the risk of prostate cancer. In females, it reduces the risk of mammary tumours and life-threatening uterine infections (pyometra).  

There are many behavioural benefits too. In males, it can reduce roaming (wandering away from home) and clashes with other males. It can also reduce scent marking (marking territory) for both genders.  

Neutering females also prevents phantom pregnancies. This is when their hormones make them think they’ve had puppies and can affect their behaviour and mood. 

Many people think neutering will calm a dog down, but it generally only influences traits related to hormones. Being calm will only come with training and maturity!  

It’s important to understand the risks of neutering. It’s a straightforward procedure, but there are always risks with anaesthetics and surgeries.  

There are also increased risks of musculoskeletal diseases, like hip dysplasia (go to this article by the British Veterinary Association for more details). This is particularly true if large-breed dogs are neutered young.