How Do You Neuter a Dog?

Learn How the Neutering Surgery is Performed and What to Expect

Jan 18, 2009

Most dogs undergo surgery to get neutered. Neutering a dog has many advantages and the surgical procedure is fairly simple. Recovery from neutering takes about 10 days.

In North America, most male dogs are neutered within the first year of life. This means that most owners of male dogs will be faced with the task of caring for a dog who has just undergone the neutering surgical procedure - a prospect that makes most dog owners a bit nervous.

In fact, many dog owners are left wondering, "How do I care for a dog who's just been neutered?"

The Benefits of Neutering a Male Dog

Spaying (for females) or neutering (for males) a dog prevents the dog from reproducing, thereby decreasing the instance of unwanted dog pregnancies.

Neutering also has the advantage of lowering male hormone levels like testosterone, which dramatically decreases the dog's chances of developing certain forms of cancer.

Lower testosterone levels also decrease the likelihood of housebreaking problems in male dogs; "intact" dogs are more likely to urinate to mark their territory. The decrease in testosterone that occurs after a male dog is neutered tends to "calm" the dog, making him less likely to exhibit aggressive behaviors.

How is a Dog Neutered?

Many dog owners wonder, "How does the vet neuter a dog? What happens during the surgery?"

Neutering a dog is actually a fairly quick surgical procedure and it's significantly less invasive than the procedure used to spay a female dog.

When a dog is neutered, the veterinary surgeon will begin by putting the dog under general anesthesia. This means that the dog is unconscious during the surgery.

Next, the fur is either shaved or plucked from the area of the dog's scrotum. The area is disinfected and the surgeon will then make an incision into the scrotum. The testicles are removed and the incision is closed, sometimes using a surgical glue instead of stitches.

What Happens After a Dog is Neutered?

Following the neutering surgical procedure, the dog will be groggy and a bit disoriented as a result of the general anesthesia. The veterinarian will closely monitor the dog as he emerges from anesthesia and during the recovery process.

Most veterinary surgeons will neuter the dog in the morning, which allows the vet's staff to monitor the dog during the day as he recovers from surgery. Barring complications from anesthesia, the dog will go home the same day that the neutering surgery is performed in a majority of cases.

Dogs will also be provided with a "lampshade," also known as an Elizabethan collar or "e-collar," designed to prevent the dog from licking or biting at the incision.

What Can I Expect After My Dog is Neutered?

When a dog owner collects the dog from the veterinarian's office, he will be provided with instructions on how to care for the dog following the neutering surgery.

The evening after the surgery is performed, the dog will typically show the following symptoms/behaviors:

It is not uncommon for a dog to refuse food and water for about 18 hours after emerging from general anesthesia.

Bathroom accidents are very common in a dog who has just been neutered, as the dog will have received fluids during the procedure and what goes in must come out.

How Long Will it Take My Dog to Recover from Getting Neutered?

The recovery period for neutering is typically between 10-14 days. During this time, dog owners must limit physical activity and walks must be restricted to short on-leash outings to promote healing of the incision site.

The copyright of the article How Do You Neuter a Dog? in Pet Care is owned by Mia Carter. Permission to republish How Do You Neuter a Dog? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.