Sterilizing your dog is one of the most important decisions made in the first year of life. It is also one of the most debated: some consider it mandatory, while others reject it outright. The reality lies in between, and it greatly depends on the individual dog.
What does "sterilize" mean
In technical terms:
- Female: ovariectomy (removal of the ovaries only) or ovariohysterectomy (ovaries + uterus). Most common procedures.
- Male: orchiectomy (removal of the testicles). Standard procedure.
There are also **alternative** techniques:
- Vasectomy for males: blocks fertility but leaves hormones intact
- Chemical sterilization: GnRH releasing implants (Suprelorin), reversible
In common language, "sterilization" and "castration" are used as synonyms.
The documented benefits
For females:
- Elimination of unwanted pregnancies and false pregnancies
- Prevention of pyometra (uterine infection, life-threatening if untreated) — affects 25% of intact females over 8 years old
- Drastic reduction in the risk of mammary tumors if performed before the first or second heat (almost zero risk)
- No more heat cycles (discharges, attention from other dogs, nervousness)
For males:
- Elimination of the risk of testicular tumors
- Reduction of prostate diseases (hyperplasia, prostatitis)
- Decrease in indoor urine marking (in some cases)
- Decrease in escape attempts related to females in heat
- Possible reduction of social aggression towards other males (not guaranteed)
Disadvantages and risks
Increased risk of:
- Overweight and obesity — the requirement drops by 25-30%, portions should be reduced immediately
- Urinary incontinence in young sterilized females (can be treated pharmacologically)
- Some specific tumors (osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, some lymphomas) — slightly increased risk in large breeds
- Joint problems if sterilized too early in large breeds (Golden, Labrador, German Shepherd): bones grow longer than normal, joints suffer
Metabolic changes:
- Coat becoming more "woolly" or changing texture (in some dogs)
- Slower metabolism
When to do it
Key point: There is no universal answer. It depends on the breed and size.
Updated guidelines:
- Small dogs (< 15 kg): optimal sterilization between 6 and 12 months
- Medium dogs (15-25 kg): between 9 and 14 months, after skeletal maturity is well underway
- Large dogs (> 25 kg): between 12 and 18 months, after growth plates have closed
- Giant dogs: even beyond 18 months
For females, there is a compromise: sterilizing before the first heat maximally reduces the risk of mammary tumors, but sterilizing after the first heat in large breeds better protects the joints. Discuss with your veterinarian.
Costs
In Italy, approximately:
- Small female dog sterilization: 250-450 €
- Large female dog sterilization: 400-700 €
- Small male castration: 200-350 €
- Large male castration: 350-550 €
Prices vary based on clinic, city, complications, pre-operative tests. A blood chemistry profile is always required before anesthesia.
Post-operative phase
- Hospitalization: 6-12 hours (some clinics discharge on the same day)
- Elizabethan collar or specific body suit for 10-14 days (stitch removal)
- Absolute rest: 7-10 days (no jumping, no running, no stairs)
- Wound check every day
- Antibiotic + anti-inflammatory prescribed
- Stitches removed: after 10-14 days (there are also absorbable sutures)
Myths to dispel
❌ "Becomes lazy/fat after sterilization" — Becomes lazy if you don’t reduce portions and don’t give enough exercise. Sterilization lowers the requirement, it doesn’t "ruin" the dog.
❌ "Changes personality" — The basic character remains. Some hormone-related behaviors may change (if at all).
❌ "Needs at least one litter to feel fulfilled" — False. Dogs do not have maternal desires in a human sense. Pregnancy is a physical stress, and stresses are unnecessary if unwanted.
❌ "It's better for health not to sterilize" — It depends. For females, sterilization is almost always beneficial in the long run. For males, it depends on the individual case.
What to take home
Sterilization is a low-risk surgical choice with documented benefits in most cases. The right timing depends on the dog's size. Talk to a trusted veterinarian, do pre-operative tests, choose a clinic with a good reputation. In the following months, remember to reduce the portion by 25-30%: it is the single most important precaution to avoid post-sterilization obesity.
```
