Signs your dog needs to be neutered

It may be time to neuter your dog if they exhibit undesirable behaviors like persistent aggression, frequent roaming, excessive marking, or constant mounting. Hormones often drive these behaviors as your dog reaches sexual maturity. 

In this article, we explain the benefits of neutering your dog versus keeping your dog intact so that you can make a well-informed choice for your pet. But first, when is the best time to neuter a dog? 

When should you neuter a dog?

Generally, vets recommend neutering at 6 to 9 months when most dogs reach sexual maturity. It’s also before behaviors become ingrained. However, it varies depending on the dog's breed, and size. It’s best to wait longer to neuter large dogs, usually 12 to 18 months to ensure full physical development especially in their bones.

Here are some signs that indicate your dog needs to be neutered. 

Persistent aggression

If your dog keeps getting into fights with other dogs or even showing aggression towards people, it could be a sign that it needs to be neutered. 

The persistent aggression could indicate mating instinct because your dog is trying to protect its territory or compete with other dogs, especially if a female dog is nearby. Neutering can help calm these instincts, making your dog less likely to pick fights.

Frequent roaming

If your dog has a habit of trying to escape the yard or darting out the door, it could be that he is on the lookout for a mate. This is normal behavior for most intact male dogs, but it can be really risky, as he might get lost or run into traffic. Neutering your dog can reduce roaming behaviors. 

Excessive marking

Intact dogs mark their territory with urine to establish dominance and attract mates. However, this marking can become excessive, leading to  urinating inside the house. Neutering reduces the production of testosterone hormones that cause this behavior. 

Mounting 

Mounting or humping is normal to some extent, but if your dog is doing it constantly to people, other animals, or objects, it can be embarrassing and annoying. Neutering can help reduce these behaviors. Also, neutering your dog on the vet-recommended schedule reduces the chances of these unwanted behaviors becoming ingrained, even after the procedure takes place.

Why should I get my male dog neutered?

Getting your male dog neutered prevents unwanted litters of puppies, reducing the number of homeless dogs in shelters. Some studies also show that neutering reduces the risk of testicular cancer. Behavioral improvements such as reduced aggression, decreased urine marking, and less roaming are other benefits of neutering a male dog. 

Benefits of neutering a male dog

Health benefits: Neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and significantly reduces the risk of prostate problems. It can also help prevent certain hernias, especially perineal hernias, which are more common in older, unneutered male dogs. Overall, eliminating canine health problems also reduces future veterinary costs. 

Behavioral benefit: Neutered dogs show reduced aggression towards other dogs and are less likely to mark their territory by urinating indoors or outdoors. Additionally, neutering reduces the urge to find a mate, which means that your dog is more likely to stay close to home.

Birth control: Neutering reduces the number of unwanted puppies that may end up in shelters or be abandoned. Fewer unplanned dogs mean less strays forming packs in the neighborhood, spreading diseases, harming livestock or pets, or being involved in traffic accidents.

Life expectancy and cost-effectiveness: Neutered dogs have a longer life expectancy due to the reduced risk of cancers and infections and the avoidance of roaming and roaming behaviors. 

Benefits of an intact male dog

Lower risk of prostate cancers: Many health reports show that prostate cancer is more likely to develop in neutered dogs than in intact male dogs. 

Less risk of thyroid health issues: Early neutering can disrupt the balance of hormones, and increase the risk of hypothyroidism, a condition that can lead to weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems. 

Better bone health: Neutering a dog, especially before maturity, halts the production of sex hormones like testosterone, which is vital for developing bones and muscle mass. This increases the risk of joint problems like hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament ruptures, and abnormal bone growth.

Breeding potential: An intact male dog can be used for responsible breeding, which is important for preserving specific genetic traits of a canine lineage. This is particularly relevant in purebred dogs with desirable characteristics.

Should I get my dog neutered?

Behavioral signs to neuter a male dog include aggression, frequent roaming, excessive marking, and constant mounting. Neutering also eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and prevents unwanted litters.

In contrast, keeping your dog intact lowers the risk of prostate cancer, joint problems, and thyroid issues. The production of testosterone also helps with the development of bones, brain function, immune system, and muscle mass.

In conclusion, if you choose to neuter your dog, you should allow your dog to mature fully, around 6 to 9 months for smaller dogs and 12 to 18 months for larger dogs. Dogs will need to wear a cone after neutering and be monitored for warning signs afterwards. Infected or opened sutures will could lead to pain, redness, pus, or a dog biting their tail.

Generally, it is important to consult with your vet to discuss your dog’s needs and health status.