Castration in dogs

Castration is a common surgical procedure in which the dog's testicles are removed under general anaesthesia. The procedure is carried out as a day admission: your dog is brought in on an empty stomach in the morning and can usually go home again the same day.

Thanks to modern anaesthesia, tailored pain medication and sutures placed in the skin, recovery is usually quick and comfortable. A cone or recovery suit is therefore often not needed. You will, of course, be given pain medication to take home for the first few days after the operation.

Possible benefits of castration

Castration can offer both practical and medical benefits.

Behaviour and reproduction

  • prevents unwanted reproduction
  • less urge to roam after females in heat
  • less sexual frustration
  • less territorial marking behaviour when done at a young age

In some dogs, castration can also have a beneficial effect on certain forms of hormone-driven behaviour or aggression.

Medical benefits

Castration can help prevent or treat certain conditions, such as:

  • testicular tumours
  • most prostate problems
  • perineal hernias
  • perianal tumours
  • cryptorchidism (retained testicle)

Not the best choice for every dog

Castration isn't automatically the best solution for every dog. In fearful or insecure dogs, testosterone can actually contribute to their confidence. In some cases, castration can therefore reinforce existing insecurity.

In addition, we sometimes see:

  • an increased tendency to gain weight
  • slight changes in coat texture
  • in certain breeds, a possible increased risk of some types of cancer

That last point needs to be put into proper perspective: many of these conditions remain rare. That's why we look at each dog individually and discuss together what's the best choice in your situation.

At what age?

Castration can be performed at various ages. The ideal timing depends on factors such as breed, size, behaviour and medical history.

Good consultation with your vet is therefore important.

Alternatives to surgical castration

Surgical castration isn't the only option.

Chemical castration

Fertility can be temporarily suppressed using an implant placed under the skin. This usually doesn't require anaesthesia. The effect lasts an average of 6 to 12 months, after which the implant needs to be repeated.

Chemical castration can be useful if you want to first assess what effect castration will have on behaviour or health.

Sterilisation of the male dog

With sterilisation, only part of the vas deferens (sperm duct) is removed. The dog continues to produce testosterone but can no longer reproduce. This technique is used less often nowadays.