When it comes to the health and well-being of our dogs, we dog owners always want to do the best we can. One important decision that every dog owner should consider is neutering their dog. But what exactly does neutering mean and what effect does it have on the behavior and health of our four-legged friend?
Here you will learn everything you need to know about neutering dogs. We show you the advantages and disadvantages, give you important decision-making aids and answer the most frequently asked questions on the subject.
What exactly is castration?
Neutering is a surgical procedure in which the dog's sexual organs are removed. In males, the scrotum is usually removed, and in females, the ovaries and sometimes the uterus are removed. Castration causes the dog to no longer be able to reproduce and certain hormones such as testosterone in males and estrogen in females are no longer produced.
Castration is a surgical procedure that is usually performed under general anesthesia and requires some recovery time. Neutering is a permanent decision that cannot be reversed. For this reason, neutering should only be considered after careful consultation with a veterinarian and after weighing all the pros and cons.
Advantages and disadvantages of dog neutering
Neutering is a surgical procedure that removes the dog's sexual organs. Dog owners should not make this decision lightly, as it has both advantages and disadvantages. Below we would like to outline the main advantages and disadvantages of dog neutering so that you can make an informed decision.
Advantages of castration
- Reducing the risk of certain cancers, such as testicular or breast cancer.
- Avoidance of unwanted offspring
- Reduction of territorial and aggressive behavior, especially in males.
- Reduce the risk of urinary tract infections and prostate problems.
Disadvantages of castration
- Possible weight gain due to changes in metabolism
- Behavioral changes such as decreased activity and increased need for rest
- Possible incontinence problems
- Possible changes in the coat, e.g. loss of shine and density.
The advantages and disadvantages of neutering can vary from dog to dog. Some dogs benefit from neutering, while for others it may have more disadvantages than advantages. We recommend that you seek thorough advice from a veterinarian before making a decision, so that you can consider your dog's individual needs.


When does it make sense to have your dog neutered?
One of the most important decisions a dog owner must make is whether or not to have their dog neutered. There are several factors to consider when making this decision.
Disease risks: First, you should ask yourself if your dog is a increased risk for certain diseases has that can be prevented or reduced by neutering. In males, for example, castration can reduce the risk of testicular cancer and prostate disease, and in females the risk of breast cancer and uterine infections.
Dog behavior: If your dog is aggressive or territorial, neutering can help reduce or eliminate these behaviors. For female dogs, spaying can also be useful to make them less restless during heat.
Reproduction: If you do not breed and do not plan to use your dog for breeding, neutering can be a sensible decision to avoid unwanted offspring.
Note that neutering can also have disadvantages, such as possible behavioral or health changes, which were discussed in the previous chapter. It is therefore advisable to consult thoroughly with a veterinarian before making the decision, in order to take into account the individual needs of your dog.
How does neutering affect my dog's behavior?
A common question from dog owners is whether neutering can change their dog's character. The answer is yes. But of course there are details.
In male dogs, neutering may cause them to be less territorial and aggressive, especially toward other males. It can be useful in reducing undesirable behavior such as marking or uncontrollable chasing.
In female dogs, spaying may help them be less restless during heat and possibly less aggressive toward other dogs.
However, neutering does not always lead to a change in behavior. The character of a dog continues to be influenced by its personality and its environment. Neutering is not a "miracle solution" to behavior problems and cannot solve all behavior problems.
It is also possible that neutering may lead to undesirable results, such as an increased need for rest, decreased activity or incontinence problems. It is therefore important to carefully weigh all the pros and cons and consult extensively with a veterinarian before deciding whether or not to neuter.

When is the ideal time for neutering?
The question of when is the best time for neutering is often asked by dog owners. However, there is no "right" age or time for neutering, as this depends on various factors such as the breed, size and individual needs of the dog.
Some veterinarians recommend neutering male dogs at 6 to 12 months of age before they reach sexual maturity. For female dogs, it is often recommended that they be spayed after their first heat to reduce the risk of mammary cancer and uterine infections. However, there are also veterinarians who recommend spaying bitches only after the second or third heat.
A castration is a permanent decision that cannot be reversed. I cannot write that often enough. Therefore, it is important to carefully weigh the decision for or against neutering and to get detailed advice from a veterinarian.
What is the cost of castration?
The cost of neutering can vary depending on the region, veterinarian and type of procedure. As a rule, castration of a male dog costs between 100 and 300 euros, and that of a female dog between 200 and 500 euros. According to the scale of fees for veterinarians (last increase November 2022), the single fee rate for a male dog is 70.60 euros and for a bitch 192.00 euros. However, if one applies the triple rate, one already comes to 211.80 or 192.00 euros.
The cost of neutering may include not only the actual surgery, but also the preliminary examinations, anesthesia, pain medication and aftercare. Some veterinarians also offer special neutering packages that include additional services such as blood tests or pain management.
It is advisable to contact several veterinarians and compare prices, before you decide to see a veterinarian. Neutering can be an investment, but it can also help reduce the long-term cost of your dog's health, such as treating certain diseases or preventing unwanted offspring.
Some organizations and shelters offer discounts on spay/neuter, especially for street dogs or owners with limited income. It is worth asking about such offers in your region.
Is there the pill for the dog?
For dogs there is no contraceptive method comparable to the human pill.
However, it is possible to suppress the bitch's heat by hormone injections. The injection must be given between two heatings and is first repeated every three months, then every four months and finally every six months. When the hormone treatment is discontinued, normal heat resumes. Permanent hormone treatment is only recommended for older bitches that cannot be operated on, for example, because of an increased risk of anesthesia. In younger bitches, there is a risk that years of hormone treatment will increase the risk of cancer or other diseases. Therefore, if a bitch is not to be used for breeding, spaying is recommended.
In male dogs, hormone injections can suppress the sex drive for a certain period of time and also help with prostate diseases. However, they are not suitable to solve behavioral problems, as they cannot replace a real castration in this respect.
Can a bitch go into heat despite spaying?
As a rule, a spayed bitch should no longer be in heat, since the ovaries are removed during spaying. Without ovaries, the bitch's body can no longer produce sex hormones and thus cannot induce heat. However, in rare cases, residual tissue may remain in the bitch's body that continues to produce sex hormones. This can lead to a so-called false pregnancy with similar symptoms as in heat.
The cause of pregnancy in the bitch is the hormonal change after heat. After heat, the ovaries produce increased levels of the hormone prolactin, which promotes milk production and maternal behavior. In some bitches, hormone levels may remain elevated after heat, resulting in a false pregnancy.
The symptoms of a false pregnancy are similar to those of a true pregnancy and can last up to 8 weeks. These include
- Behavioral changes such as increased attachment or protective instincts.
- increased licking of the teats or belly
- Decreased activity
- Unwillingness to eat or increased appetite
- possibly milk production
In some cases, inflammation of the mammary glands or behavioral disorders may also occur. If a bitch shows signs of a false pregnancy, this should be clarified by the veterinarian and treated if necessary.