The question every owner asks

"Should I sterilize my dog?" One of the most important and debated decisions in modern veterinary medicine.

10 years ago the answer was simple: "yes, as soon as possible." Today, the guidelines are more nuanced: it depends on breed, sex, size, lifestyle.

Let’s look at the updated facts.

The terms: castration vs sterilization

Castration: a generic term indicating the removal of the gonads.

Sterilization: a broad term that also includes less invasive techniques (tubal ligation, vasectomy).

In practice, in the vast majority of cases:

  • Male dogs: castration (removal of testicles).
  • Female dogs: ovariectomy or ovariohysterectomy (removal of ovaries ± uterus).

The pros of sterilization

Females

1. Elimination of the risk of mammary tumors:

  • Sterilization before the first heat: nearly zero risk (-99%).
  • After the first heat: risk reduced by 92%.
  • After the second heat: reduced by 74%.
  • After 2 years: no significant benefit.

Mammary tumors kill 50% of unspayed older females.

2. Elimination of the risk of pyometra (uterine infection): A very serious condition, common in older unspayed females. Fatal if not surgically treated.

3. Reduction in urinary marking.

4. No unwanted pregnancies.

5. No "blood loss" during heat (1-2 times a year).

Males

1. Elimination of the risk of testicular tumors.

2. Drastic reduction of prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (80% of unneutered males develop this after age 8).

3. Reduction of territorial marking with urine.

4. Reduction of escapes in search of females in heat.

5. Possible reduction of aggression in some individuals (variable).

The cons of sterilization

For both sexes

1. Tendency to become overweight:

  • Metabolism reduction of 20-30%.
  • Need to reduce portions or increase activity.

2. Changes in coat:

  • Especially in certain breeds (Spaniel, Setter): softer, duller coat.

3. Cost of surgery + recovery:

  • €200-600 (variable by size).
  • 10-14 days of restrictions.

Specific to neutered males

1. Possible increase in incontinence (rare, especially in some large breeds).

2. Increased specific tumors in certain breeds:

  • Osteosarcoma in large breeds (Rottweiler, Saint Bernard).
  • Hemangiosarcoma in some breeds.
  • Brain tumors (rare).

Specific to spayed females

1. Urinary incontinence post-spaying:

  • 5-30% of spayed females (variable by breed).
  • Treatable with medication (Propalin).

2. Increase in some tumors in specific breeds:

  • Lymphoma in some breeds.
  • Bladder tumors.

The optimal age: a complex issue

Old guideline: spay as soon as possible (3-6 months).

Modern guidelines: it depends on:

Size and breed:

  • Small breeds (under 15 kg): early spaying (6-12 months) is generally safe.

  • Medium breeds (15-25 kg): 12-18 months.

  • Large and giant breeds (25+ kg): wait for full maturity: 18-24 months. Studies show that early spaying in large breeds increases:

    • Hip/elbow dysplasia.
    • Ruptured cruciate ligaments.
    • Some tumors.

Specific examples:

  • Male German Shepherd: spay after 18 months (ideally 24).
  • Golden Retriever: studies show better health outcomes with later spaying (12-18 months).
  • Female Rottweiler: 12-18 months.
  • Chihuahua: 6-12 months safe.

Discuss with your veterinarian the right timing for the specific breed.

The surgical techniques

Male

Classic castration:

  • Removal of both testicles.
  • 20-30 minute procedure.
  • General anesthesia.
  • Recovery: 10 days.

Cost: €150-300.

Female

Ovariectomy:

  • Only removal of the ovaries.
  • Shorter procedure (40-60 minutes).
  • Faster recovery.
  • Considered the preferred modern technique.

Ovariohysterectomy:

  • Removal of ovaries + uterus.
  • More invasive.
  • Traditional but necessary in some cases.

Cost: €300-600.

Less invasive techniques

Laparoscopic:

  • Mini-incisions.
  • Faster recovery.
  • Higher cost (€500-900).
  • Available at some specialized centers.

Chemical sterilization (for males, reversible):

  • Suprelorin implant (deslorelin).
  • Temporary effect (6-12 months).
  • Cost: €80-150 per implant.
  • Useful for "testing" effects before definitive surgery.

The post-operative period

First 3 days:

  • Absolute rest.
  • Light food.
  • Check stitches.
  • Antibiotic and pain relief.

Days 4-10:

  • Continued rest.
  • No jumping, no running.
  • No bathing.
  • Elizabethan collar (to prevent licking).

Days 10-14:

  • Stitch removal.
  • Gradual return to activity.

Dog typically: returns to 100% after 14 days.

What to do if you have doubts

If you are uncertain:

1. Discuss with your veterinarian:

  • Consider breed, sex, size, lifestyle.
  • Evaluate specific choices.

2. Pre-surgery visit:

  • Blood tests.
  • General evaluation.

3. Consider alternatives:

  • Reversible chemical sterilization (for males).
  • Less invasive techniques.

4. Postpone if necessary:

  • There is no fixed urgency.
  • Informed decision > hasty decision.

Myths to dispel

Myth 1: "Sterilization changes the dog's character." Truth: changes little. Reduces hormonal behaviors (marking, escaping), but the basic character remains.

Myth 2: "Having one litter before sterilization is beneficial." False: increases the risk of mammary tumors, does not provide benefits.

Myth 3: "Sterilized dogs automatically gain weight." Partially true: they tend to gain weight, but it can be managed with diet.

Myth 4: "Castrating a male humbles him." Anthropomorphism: the dog has no awareness of "loss of virility."

Myth 5: "Sterilization is painful forever." False: standard procedure, recovery in 2 weeks, normal life.

The final decision

Sterilization is generally recommended for:

  • Dogs that will not be used for breeding.
  • Females (prevention of tumors and pyometra).
  • Males with problematic marking/escaping.
  • Small-medium breeds.

Postponing or avoiding may be advisable for:

  • Large/giant breeds (wait for maturity).
  • Specific bloodlines for controlled breeding.
  • Older dogs without issues.

Always discuss with your trusted veterinarian: the decision must be personalized for your specific dog.

And once the decision is made: most owners report "never regretted it."