What to Expect After Neutering a Dog

Dog owners often have questions about what to expect after neutering their dogs. First, let’s define the words “neuter” and “spay.” Neuter refers to the removal of an animal’s reproductive organ. The term neuter is often used incorrectly in reference to male animals, when the term applies to both males and females. The correct term for males is “castration,” while the correct term used for females is “spay” or “spaying.”

For this article, we will refer to neutering in regard to male dogs. For details about how to prepare for neutering and what happens the day of neutering, read What Happens When You Neuter a Dog? If you have a female dog, learn more by reading What Happens When a Dog Gets Spayed. For those of you that are still planning to neuter your dog, read How Much Does Dog Spaying or Dog Neutering Cost? to better understand the costs, and why they might vary.

The risks associated with castration in a healthy, young dog are very low. While there are no published statistics, it is estimated that the risk of death is probably less than 1 in 500. The major risks are those of general anesthesia, bleeding, post-operative infection, and wound breakdown over the incision. Overall, the complication rate is very low, but serious complications can result in death or the need for additional surgery.

How Dogs Recover After Being Neutered

Most dogs are released within a day of surgery. After being neutered, your dog may feel tired or groggy. They may want to sleep more for the first day or two. Some dogs may feel nauseated and not eat full meals or even vomit. Generally, young dogs begin to act normally within 2 days.

Additional recommendations for post-surgical care include:

• Post-operative medication to relieve pain, which is judged in most cases to be mild to moderate.
• A calm and quiet environment for approximately 2 weeks after they return home, which will help them heal. Some dogs may be prescribed sedative medications (either Acepromazine or Trazodone) to help keep them calm.
• Removal of skin sutures within 2 weeks. Most often, the sutures are absorbable. Many veterinarians will want to check the incision one week after surgery to ensure that it is healing normally.
• Daily inspection of the incision line for signs of redness, discharge, swelling, or pain.
• Avoidance of rough play or licking/chewing of the incision. If your pet licks the incision line, prevent them from doing so by putting them in an e-collar.

Other Things to Expect After Neutering a Dog

You may notice that your dog is calmer and more relaxed. Neutered dogs no longer have the intense drive to mate, roam, and seek out females. This change is not immediate, as it may take weeks after castration for the hormones to gradually dissipate from their system.

Other changes you can expect after neutering are a desire to stay closer to home, less urine marking, less fighting, a calmer demeanor, and added affection. Some pets may gain weight after neutering and as they get older. Cutting back on food intake or increasing your pet’s activity will help avoid excess weight gain.

What Can Go Wrong After Neutering

The best way to determine if something is wrong is to monitor your dog’s incision. If you notice any redness, swelling, or discharge from the incision, you should call your veterinarian immediately.

If your dog is lethargic, won’t eat, has vomited more than once, has diarrhea, or there are any other concerns, please call your veterinarian.

If you’re concerned about costs related to neutering, click here to learn how pet insurance may be able to help.