Spaying and Neutering Dogs: Effects on Health & Behaviour

Spaying and neutering are important procedures for the health and wellbeing of your dog, especially if you are not planning to breed. Getting your dog neutered as soon as they are old enough has numerous benefits beyond simply preventing unwanted puppies. These benefits include improved behaviour, decreased risk of certain diseases, and generally calmer temperaments.

Spaying refers specifically to removing the reproductive organs of female dogs, while neutering commonly refers to the de-sexing of male dogs, although it can also be used broadly for both sexes. This article explores how these procedures affect both male and female dogs.

1. Preventing Unwanted Puppies

The most obvious reason to spay or neuter your dog is to prevent unplanned litters. Despite the affection many hold for puppies, the UK has a significant population of unwanted dogs and puppies. Responsible pet ownership means ensuring your dog does not contribute to this issue unless you are a knowledgeable and ethical breeder. Neutering is the most effective way to do this.

2. Reducing Inappropriate Sexual Behaviour

Un-neutered male dogs tend to display a range of sexual behaviours that can be inappropriate or problematic. These include humping inanimate objects, other dogs, or even people, locating females in season, and becoming overly fixated on mating. Female dogs typically only show such behaviours during their seasons (or heats), but neutering can help reduce these behaviours in both sexes, resulting in more manageable and less stressful interactions.

3. Promoting Calmer Temperaments

Spaying and neutering can have a calming influence on dogs by lessening hormone-driven urges and behaviours. Contrary to some misconceptions, these procedures don’t change your dog’s personality or make them lethargic; instead, they often help dogs become more laid-back and balanced, allowing them to engage more positively with their environment and people.

4. Decreasing Roaming and Escape Risk

Intact male dogs frequently roam long distances seeking mates, which leads to dangers such as getting lost, traffic accidents, or fights with other animals. Similarly, females may try to escape when in season to find a mate. Neutered dogs usually exhibit less roaming behaviour, improving their safety and your peace of mind.

5. Minimising Aggression and Fighting

Male dogs that are not neutered can be very territorial and may show intolerance or aggression to unfamiliar male dogs. This often leads to fights, which can sometimes cause severe injuries or even death, particularly if fighting over a female in heat. Neutering typically reduces territorial aggression and can lessen the frequency and severity of fights. Female dogs tend to be less aggressive overall but may also display territorial behaviour if unspayed.

6. Reducing Scent Marking

Many intact male dogs habitually scent-mark by urinating on objects and sometimes even within the home, which most owners find undesirable. Neutered males are less likely to scent mark extensively. Unspayed females can also mark during their seasons, but this behaviour usually diminishes after spaying.

7. Supporting Long-Term Health

Spaying and neutering reduce the risk of several serious health conditions associated with the reproductive system:

• In males: removal of testicles eliminates risk of testicular cancer; neutering reduces risks of venereal diseases, prostate problems, certain hernias, and perianal gland tumours.
• In females: spaying prevents uterine infections (such as pyometra), false pregnancies, breast (mammary) cancer, cystic ovaries, uterine prolapse, and ovarian tumours.

Additionally, neutered dogs tend to avoid injuries and diseases linked to mating behaviours, fights, or pregnancies, supporting healthier, longer lives.

8. Responsible Pet Ownership

Choosing to spay or neuter your dog is a key aspect of responsible pet ownership. It helps control the pet population, reduces the number of animals relinquished to shelters, and promotes wellbeing through decreased hormonal stress and health risks. If you intend to breed, seek advice from reputable breeders and veterinary professionals to do so ethically and safely.

9. Important Tips and Considerations

While spaying and neutering offer numerous benefits, remember that behaviour is influenced by many factors including genetics, training, and socialisation. These procedures alone will not solve all behavioural problems. Also, neutered dogs may experience a slightly slower metabolism, so it is crucial to monitor their diet and ensure they get sufficient exercise to maintain a healthy weight.

If you’re wondering about the ideal time to neuter, it is commonly recommended to do so once your dog is physically mature enough—often around six months of age, but consult your vet for personalised advice.

Lastly, some owners are curious if spaying or neutering might cause weight gain or lethargy. While metabolism changes can occur, responsible feeding and regular exercise can easily mitigate this. Your dog's personality and activity levels generally remain unchanged.

Conclusion

Spaying and neutering your dog bring many benefits, from preventing unplanned litters to improving behaviour and health outcomes. These procedures help your dog lead a safer, calmer, and healthier life, while also fulfilling your role as a responsible owner committed to the wellbeing of your pet and the wider community.

For those looking to find a dog or puppy, always choose from reputable breeders or consider adoption to ensure the best start for your new companion.