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Neutering a male dog can cause big changes in his behavior. But do male dogs really calm down after being neutered? Or is this just a myth?
Are you thinking about having your male dog neutered? If so, you probably have a lot of questions about how this affects your dog. We understand that it can be scary to consider any type of surgery for your dog, including neutering.
We’ve put together some information about whether your male dog calms down after surgery or not. Let’s get started!
What is Neutering Surgery?
Neutering a male dog is a surgical procedure that involves removing the dog’s testicles. This is called castration. The testicles create sperm and most of the male’s hormones (including testosterone). The surgery removes the testicles so no sperm can be produced, and the testosterone is reduced in the male dog.
After the surgery, the male dog is no longer able to make a female dog pregnant. And the dog has reduced amounts of testosterone, too, which drives sexual behavior in male dogs.
The Effects of Neutering
Neutering does not affect your dog’s personality. If he’s happy and playful, he will be the same after the surgery. However, it is possible your male dog may be calmer after he’s neutered. The reason is that his body won’t be able to produce much testosterone, which drives much of the mating behavior in male dogs.
In other words, your dog won’t become agitated, restless, aggressive, bark, or have other behavioral issues in response to a female dog who is in heat. Male dogs that were aggressive and had fights before they were neutered may no longer have the urge to fight. And they may no longer mark their territory, either.
So, neutering may calm a male dog in these ways. However, it will not affect the dog’s personality. Dogs that are naturally bubbly, grouchy, fun & playful will be the same after the surgery as they were before. They just won’t have the urge to mate or the other behaviors that come with the drive to mate.
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Ask a Vet Live NowIt Takes Time
Neutering doesn’t instantly remove a male dog’s sex drive. It takes time for hormones to leave the dog’s body. The process may take up to six weeks. During this time, a male dog may still attempt to breed; however, he will not be able to get a female dog pregnant (in most cases).
If you have any questions about neutering or how it will affect your male dog, be sure to talk with the vet. They can explain everything to you and help you and your dog through the entire process of your dog’s neutering surgery and healing afterward.
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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