Why should you have your dog neutered?
One moment your pup is completely innocent, and the next he’s mounting everything in his path. No pillow, toy or leg is spared. For you as the owner, this is often very uncomfortable and sometimes associated with a lot of stress. This is the right time to start thinking about castration: an operation where both testicles (testicles) are surgically removed.
Neutering your dog has the following benefits:
- He no longer responds to bitches in heat
- He is calmer and will bark less
- He doesn’t get foreskin inflammation (anymore)
- Marking with urine will decrease
- Reduced risk of enlargement and inflammation of the prostate
- You don’t suddenly become the grandfather or grandmother of an entire litter of puppies
There is a good chance that neutering will completely eliminate or reduce the symptoms mentioned above, making your dog a more comfortable and less dominant pet.
What do you have to consider?
Every advantage has its disadvantage, so does castration. First of all, castration is of course an operation under general anesthesia, which is associated with a certain risk. Fortunately, the risks with current anesthetics are very small. In addition, the behavior of some dogs changes after neutering: they may become more sluggish or even more active.
Your dog’s metabolism (digestion) also changes after neutering: it then tends to gain weight more quickly. Therefore, the diet must be adjusted to prevent obesity. Of course, a little extra exercise never hurts. The dog’s fur structure can also change, it can become a bit fuller.
When do you get a dog neutered?
A male dog can be neutered from the age of 6 months. From a medical point of view, there is no benefit in having your four-legged friend castrated so early. Most male dogs are therefore neutered around the age of one year. Bitches are also spayed at around 1 year of age.
How does castration work?
To reduce the risk of complications to a minimum, the dog must not be fed 12 hours before the operation. Both testicles are removed under anesthesia. Your dog will receive a combination of injection and gas anesthesia. Because the dog has a tube in its throat, it may start coughing after waking up. Your dog can often go home the same day. However, it takes a few weeks before he is truly infertile.
Post-neuter recovery and follow-up care
Your dog may still be a little sleepy after the operation. Let him rest somewhere nice and warm, like near the fireplace (he shouldn’t be in the sun). The best thing to do now is to leave your dog alone as much as possible, even if you want to pamper him best. When your dog wants to get his need met, prevent him from hurting himself in the process. Give your dog small portions to eat and drink during his recovery period.
Self-dissolving sutures are usually used for castration. Does your dog tend to bite or lick the wound? A neck brace or medical suit, often called a pet shirt, can prevent the wound from becoming infected or your dog from damaging the stitching.
Make sure your dog moves around calmly for the first 5 to 7 days. Don’t go on long walks just yet and keep your dog on a leash during the walk. Then slowly increase the range of motion. After 10 to 14 days, the dog can swim again.
How much does a castration cost?
The costs can vary greatly from one veterinary clinic to another. In addition, the price depends on the weight of your dog. The average prices are as follows:
Less than 10 kg: €145 10 to 20 kg: €165 20 to 30 kg: €185 30 to 40 kg: €200 40 to 50 kg: €215 50 to 60 kg: €230 60 kg or more: 245,- €
Are you planning to have your dog neutered in the near future? Then you might want to consider pet insurance. At Can you in addition onen additionaln building block complete for castration.