Having your dog neutered is a routine procedure that will extend your dog’s life and avoid unwanted litters. For spay and neuter, Albuquerque pet owners have trusted Petroglyph Animal Hospital for years, and we are often asked if male dogs experience changes to their behavior after undergoing neutering. 

Here’s what to expect when your dog gets neutered.

What Will Change After a Dog Visits a Clinic for Spay and Neuter in Albuquerque

Neutering involves a surgical castration procedure that removes the dog’s testes while the animal is under general anesthesia. It is a common, safe operation that is done to significantly reduce the risks of testicular cancer, prostate disease, and other dangerous health conditions. There is no other physical change to the dog’s appearance.

Behavioral Changes in a Dog After Being Neutered

Removing the testicles removes the largest source of testosterone in the body. This results in a decrease in sexually driven behaviors in your dog: urine marking, escaping to seek female dogs, and aggression toward other male dogs. However, a decrease in this hormone may also have a role in how confident or fearful your dog is. Researchers are still at work in this area.

Your dog’s behavior is a result of factors of genetics, social interactions over his lifetime, and training. Altering their body chemistry can certainly have an effect on his behavior, but it isn’t like shutting off a switch. The best thing to do when contemplating whether to spay or neuter your dog is to consult with your veterinarian.

Contact Petroglyph Animal Hospital Today

Find out why thousands of pet owners choose us to provide spay and neuter in Albuquerque. It is important to spay and neuter your pets for individual and public health reasons. Let the highly knowledgeable veterinarians at Petroglyph Animal Hospital guide you through the decision of when to spay or neuter your dog for a lifetime of good health. For an appointment to talk about spaying and neutering or other basic health services for your dog, contact Petroglyph Animal Hospital today!