How Long After Neutering Does Behavior Change in a Dog?

Neutering in dogs is the permanent sterilization of the animal resulting in their inability to produce new offspring. For male dogs, this is almost always in the form of castration, i.e. the removal of their testes. When a dog is not neutered, they continue producing large amounts of the male sex hormones such as testosterone. This influences their behavior in various ways, especially when there are females nearby in heat.

Since a sexually intact male dog will want to mate with a receptive female, they will try to find them at almost any cost. This can lead the dog to run away, often getting lost as they focus on mating rather than where they are going. If the dog is prevented from seeking out a female, he will become very frustrated. This can lead to marking with urine in the home, loud barking, destruction of property and even aggression towards members of the family.

Veterinarians recommend neutering as it prevents unwanted pregnancies which can lead to neglect of dogs. This is especially since animal shelters are already under too much strain to provide the care for all the dogs that need it. Since castration removes the sex organs of male dogs, these organs cannot produce sex hormones. The result is a greater balance in the dog's behavior which benefits the dog as much as it does the rest of the family.

After a male dog is neutered by castration, it is common to see the following initial symptoms:

• Apathy: he may be apathetic for 24-72 hours due to the use of sedatives and the nature of the procedure. It is best to let him rest so he can fully recover in a quiet and noise-free environment.
• Nervousness: you can sometimes observe the dog becoming scared and/or anxious as they come out of the anesthetic.
• Relaxation: some dogs will immediately become much more relaxed and stop aggressive behaviors they may have exhibited before castration.
• Tremors: if you notice that your dog is trembling, it is likely because he does not understand what has happened and is scared. It can also be due to pain, although this is rare. Additionally, there are some drugs that could temporarily lower the dog's normal body temperature.
• Vomiting or diarrhea: during the first 24 hours after the procedure, you may notice vomiting or diarrhea. This may also be due to the action of some drugs that take some time to be eliminated from his system.
• Blood in the incision: you may notice drops of blood at the incision site, but it should never bleed a lot. If it bleeds more than normal, you should call the vet immediately.

You will be able to notice these changes in a dog after neutering him in the days following surgery. On some occasions, a dog can become more aggressive than normal. This could be due to the confusion of the veterinary visit, not being allowed outside because of their incision scar or due to remaining testosterone in their system.

While neutering can lower aggression in male dogs, it is very important we know this is not the only factor which influences this behavior. Aggression in dogs can be a learned behavior, something which is especially so in dogs which are castrated after they have reached sexual maturity. If aggression persists, we need to speak to a dog trainer or specialized canine ethologist.

Learn more with our article on what is the best age to neuter a dog?

Castration consists requires making an incision parallel to the penis to remove the testicles and epididymis. Physical recovery from this process usually takes 3 to 5 days. The effects of castration in dogs described above are usually noticeable for up to two weeks after the neutering procedure. This is because the dog may still have some remaining sex hormones in their system and it will take some time for them to disappear completely.

It is recommended to neuter a male dog between 6 and 12 months of age. This way it will be easier to prevent and improve inappropriate sexual behaviors. It is possible that if your dog has already developed certain sexual behaviors, such as marking territory with urine, he will continue to perform them after neutering. This is because they have become learned behaviors, rather than related to the sexual impulse.

To stop these behaviors, you will need to provide the correct education. You can redirect them using positive reinforcement, otherwise they will likely carry out other problem behaviors. If you are struggling with this process, you should contact a professional dog trainer or canine ethologist to asses their needs and provide practical training methods.

As the days after surgery elapse, you will gradually notice behavioral changes in your neutered dog. This happens because testosterone production ceases once the testicles and epididymis are removed. Depending on their age, they will have some level of testosterone in their body, so it does not happen immediately. How long it takes for a dog to eliminate testosterone depends on the dog, but it usually occurs up to two to three weeks after neutering.

The difference between neutering and sterilization must be taken into account. These changes in sexual behavior can only be seen in castrated male dogs. Other forms of sterilization may prevent offspring, but not sexual behaviors. If you have sterilized your dog with medication or other methods, it may not stop testosterone production nor affected aggression levels.

Discover more about the difference between castrating and sterilizing a dog in our related article.

If your dog has been neutered, there are a series of measures you can take to ensure optimal recovery. These include the following:

• Follow your veterinarian's advice: if your dog needs medication, it will need to be administered following the appropriate guidelines.
• Protect the wound: prevent them from licking the incision wound, often with the use of an Elizabethan collar.
• Limit movement: do not encourage him to jump or play, it is best that he rest for at least three days to avoid any type of problem in his body.
• Wound care: clean and disinfect the area if applicable to prevent infection. Always monitor for signs of infection after neutering a dog such as excessive bleeding or purulent discharge.
• Rest: leave him in a quiet place, since he feeling weak he is usually more susceptible to fear.
• Diet: some dogs stop eating, especially if they feel pain, so adapt the food to their needs. You can try offering soft food because they tend to like it better and it will help their appetite in these situations.

As you can see, neutering your dog provides the most benefit to your dog's health and well-being, as well as improving harmony in the home. Although you can neuter an adult male dog, remember that it is best done before they reach sexual maturity. Speak to your veterinarian if you have not yet arranged castration in your dog.

To prevent a neutered dog from licking his wound, it is recommended to use an Elizabethan collar like the following:

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