Neutering a Dog: Facts, Myths and Advice

Neutering a Dog: Facts, Myths and Advice

Energy and character are not the same as sexuality.

13.07.2025

Does neutering change a dog's personality?

Energy and personality are not the same as sexuality

  • A dog's temperament is innate – part genetics, part socialization.
  • Energy, playfulness and stubbornness don't come from the testicles.
  • Neutering doesn't turn a dog into a calm house pet.

What actually changes after neutering?

Neutering won't reset a dog that has already learned to jump, bark or pull on the leash – those are learned behaviors.

But it will help with hormone-driven behaviors, like territorial marking or fighting with other males.

Neutered dogs tend to stay closer to their owners

A reduced urge to roam lowers the risk of injury, accidents, mating with unknown dogs, and dogs getting lost.

Common myths among male-dog owners

  • The dog will become depressed
  • He'll get fat – only if he's overfed and doesn't exercise
  • He loses his masculinity – that's a human interpretation, not a canine one

The change in metabolism after neutering is real – but manageable

Metabolism can slow down after neutering, so it's important to adjust:

  • Diet
  • Activity level

The solution:

Food formulated for neutered dogs + regular exercise = no extra pounds

What neutering prevents in males

Health benefits

  • Testicular tumors – risk completely eliminated (since the testicles are removed)
  • Prostate problems – dramatically lower risk later in life of:
    • prostate enlargement
    • Cysts
    • Infections
    • Perianal tumors – lower risk in neutered males

What spaying prevents in females

Zdravstveni benefiti

  • Pyometra (a pus-filled uterine infection) – very common and life-threatening in older unspayed females
  • Mammary tumors – risk drops by up to 90% if spaying is done before the second heat
  • Ovarian and uterine tumors – risk completely eliminated
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