Spaying or castrating your dog (also called de-sexing or neutering) is very common practice in many places, and is considered a part of responsible dog ownership by many experts, assuming that you aren’t planning on breeding your dog.
Here is a short summary of what neutering is:
Spaying (for females) and castrating (for males) are surgical procedures that make your dog unable to reproduce. Usually this means the removal of the ovaries and uterus, or testicles. There are a few other alternatives (such as vasectomies for male dogs) but these are relatively rare. These procedures are always done under general anaesthetic and require a brief recovery period afterwards, when your dog will need special care. There are some side effects to neutering, which you will find below.
Things to consider when neutering your dog:
Neutering is a big decision, and most owners will need to weigh the pros and cons before deciding. Your vet can best advise you on what’s right for your dog and your lifestyle. For example, if your dog is frequently in the company of other dogs, runs free in a dog park, goes to doggie day care, etc. it may be best to neuter in order to avoid unwanted pregnancies.
Benefits of neutering
Females: There are significant benefits to spaying female dogs, especially before their first or second heat (oestrus) cycle. Aside from eliminating the risk of surprise or unwanted pregnancies, spayed dogs have significantly lower mammary cancer rates and the complete removal of the uterus eliminates the risk of a potentially life-threatening infection called pyometra as well as uterine cancers.
Tasty Tips
Animal shelters are overcrowded, and puppies from unplanned litters are most likely to end up there. Given this, it seems best to leave breeding to responsible individuals who will make sure that the planned litter will have loving lifelong homes before they breed
Males: Male dogs benefit too! Age plays less of a factor with males, but castrated males are less likely to suffer from testicular or prostate diseases. Many intact male dogs show undesirable hormone-related behaviours such as inappropriate mounting, and roaming, which can be dangerous if they wander near roads or far from home in search of a female.
Changes after neutering
As you’ll find out from your vet, there are several changes that occur in a dog’s body once they are spayed or castrated. These changes may be more noticeable in males. Neutering won’t change your dog’s personality but it is likely to change sex hormone-driven behaviours. Many owners also report that their dogs are calmer after neutering.
Along with the above hormonal changes, changes in metabolism can also occur. A slower metabolism means that your dog can gain excess weight easily after neutering, making it important to pay special attention to his nutritional needs to ensure that he doesn’t become overweight. It is recommended that you switch to a neutered-specific dog food, such as Hill’s VetEssentials NeuteredDog.
Related products
Puppy Food
Hill's Science Plan Puppy Wet Dog Food with Chicken is a complete premium pet food for growing puppies from weaning until 1 year old and for pregnant and nursing dogs. This deliciously smooth minced chicken loaf is precisely balanced to deliver the appropriate amount of energy to support the needs of growing puppies.
Hypoallergenic Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Hypoallergenic Adult Wet Dog Food with Salmon is a complete premium pet food for all adult dogs from 1 year. This savoury tinned loaf is specially formulated for dogs with delicate skin and stomachs. It features a single novel animal protein source and is grain-free.
Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Adult Wet Dog Food with Turkey is a complete premium pet food for adult dogs from 1 year. This deliciously smooth minced turkey loaf is formulated to deliver the appropriate amount of energy to support the needs of adult dogs.
Adult Light Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Light Adult Wet Dog Food is a complete premium pet food for adult dogs that tend to gain weight easily. This deliciously smooth loaf is formulated to deliver the appropriate amount of energy to support weight maintenance in adult dogs.
Related articles
Title
Vet's Advice About A Dog Diet
Just like every other pet owner, vets are responsible for giving their pets the best possible nutrition, exercise and care needed to keep them healthy and happy.
Kidney Disease in Dogs: Causes, Signs & Treatments
Discover the causes, signs, and treatments of kidney disease in dogs and find methods of supporting your dog's kidney health. Learn more at Hill's Pet UK.
Dog Itching a Lot? Here's What It Might Mean
Wondering why your dog is constantly itching? Read on to discover common causes, such as allergies or parasites, and find out how you can help your dog.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.