10 Dog Neutering Options You Need to Know

• ‘Neutering’ or ‘de-sexing’ a dog is the removal of the animal’s reproductive organ, either all of it, or a considerably large part, in order to prevent the birth of unwanted litters. The term dog ‘neutering’ is often used incorrectly to refer only to males, but it actually applies to both sexes. The male-specific term is ‘castration’, while for females, it’s ‘spaying’. Colloquially, both terms are often referred to as ‘fixing’ too.

• If you aren’t aware of all the sterilization methods, or aren’t decided on what’s best for your pup, this article has got you covered. Read on..

 What are the various Dog Neutering/Sterilization Options?

• There are a few surgical and non-surgical, reversible and irreversible procedures available. They are ‘vasectomy’, along with the above mentioned ‘castration’ for males and (multiple variants of) ‘spaying’ and ‘tubal ligation’, for females. These are all surgical procedures, and can be performed traditionally or laparoscopically. In the non-surgical category, you may consider implants, injectables or orally administered ‘vaccines’ and ‘contraceptives’.

•  Here’s everything you need to know about each neutering process, in detail.

Irreversible/Permanent Neutering Methods

Male Dog Neutering Options

Dog Castration

What is Dog Castration and why is it done?

• Castration is the most common surgical dog neutering procedure of removing both the testicles of a male dog. It renders the dog infertile, while also eliminating the production of male hormones like testosterone. Thus, it will also rid you of the roaming, pee-peeing over, freaky behavior around female dogs in heat, and terrors of testicular tumors, perineal hernias and prostatic enlargements.

What is the Dog Castration Process?

• The operation is carried out under a general anaesthetic, so the dog is asleep and pain-free (with a well-balanced anesthetic protocol, maintained on gas anesthesia). An intravenous catheter is placed to supply IV fluids and monitoring equipments are applied to evaluate the dog’s vital signs during the procedure. Heart and respiratory rates, blood pressure, oxygen saturation levels, and electrocardiogram readings of the heart rhythm are recorded.

• A single skin incision is made just in front of the dog’s scrotum and each testicle is removed individually. The blood supplying cords are then ligated using suture to prevent bleeding. Then, the incision on the skin is sutured close. These sutures are made of a dissolvable material usually and are placed within the skin, so they do not need to be removed later. The scrotum remains in this kind of surgery. A therapeutic laser therapy is also performed to reduce local swelling and discomfort immediately post surgery. Dogs are given ample pain medication before, during, and after the procedure.

 Dog Vasectomy

 What is Dog Vasectomy and what are its Effects?

• A dog vasectomy is rarely performed, as most vets will only do it under specific circumstances. It involves removing only the vas deferens, the tube that carries sperm from the testicle (where they are made), to the outside, in order to fertilize the female. Whereas, the testicles remain, along with the associated hormone production, like testosterone. What this means is that your dog will still have his inherent male behaviours, like seeking out females, marking and aggression. However, in case he mates, the mating will not be a fertile one.

 How is Dog Vasectomy done?

• The initial preparation remains the same as the above dog castration procedure. The only difference is that a bit of a tiny tube called the vas deferens, which is a section of the spermatic cord and conducts sperm from the testes, is removed through a small incision, to prevent the sperm from travelling, preventing the dog from breeding. The testicles remain in the scrotum and continue to produce testosterone.

• It is a comparatively easy surgery as compared to castration, far less painful, and has fewer complications.

 Zeutering

 What’s Zeutering and why is it Not Popular?

• Zinc Neutering or Zeutering is a new way of non-surgical sterilization for male dogs. It involves a product called ‘Zeuterin’, consisting of zinc gluconate, which is the zinc salt of gluconic acid. The trade name Zeuter spawned the predictable verb “to zeuter” in reference to the act of sterilizing a dog, with the product via an injection.

• Despite the fact that it has been used successfully in many countries, the drug has gotten plenty of push-back in the US, by veterinarians and pet parents alike. Which doesn’t make much sense, since it’s such an easy, non-invasive, safe, inexpensive, and effective procedure. It keeps their organs intact, removes nothing, and involves just an injection, which modifies the structures within the testicles. Harmones are present, even though reduced by 49-52%, still rendering them infertile.

 How is a dog Zeutered?

• The zinc gluconate drug is simply injected into the testicles of a dog. That’s all. No anesthesia is required for it, as it is considered painless and just takes seconds to administer. Zeutering costs only $5 – $25 per dog.

• Calcium chloride dihydrate solution is another chemical sterilant for male dogs, that can be administered the same way, but Zeuterin™ remains the first and only FDA approved injectable sterilizing product.

Female Dog Neutering Options

Ovariohysterectomy

What is Dog Ovariohysterectomy and what are its Benefits?

• An ovariohysterectomy (spaying) is the surgical removal of the female dog’s reproductive organs – the two ovaries, the uterine horns and the body of the uterus.

• It is the most commonly used spaying procedure to avoid heat (estrus) cycles, prevent pregnancy, remove diseased or cancerous female reproductive organs and markedly decrease the risk of acquired diseases of the female reproductive system, future risk of developing mammary (breast) cancer, and possibility of a severe infection of the uterus- pyometra, all at once!

How is the Dog Ovariohysterectomy Operation done?

• Preoperative tests depend on the age and general health of the dog. For young dogs, minimal tests are required, provided they have been vaccinated, dewormed and proven healthy based on physical examination. Simple blood tests, such as a packed cell volume or blood count may be done prior to anesthesia. For older dogs, a routine blood count and chemistry profile is conducted.

• The dog then goes on to receive a pre-anesthetic sedative-analgesic drug to help her relax, a brief intravenous anesthetic, to allow placement of a breathing tube in the windpipe is administered followed by inhalation (gas) anesthesia in oxygen, during the surgery.

• An incision is made at the middle of the abdomen, to open the abdominal cavity and identify the organs of the female reproductive tract. The uterus is then located using a hook. The uterine horn is gently pulled through the incision opening and the reproductive organ is grasped. The uterus is dissected and tied off with absorbent sutures, which won’t require removal. The surgical opening is also sutured similarly, additionally surgical glue may be placed on the stitches as a preventative method. 

Ovariectomy

What is Dog Ovariectomy?

• In this spaying technique, a dog’s ovaries are removed, but the uterus remains. Similar to the above mentioned ovariohysterectomy, ovariectomy also makes her unable to reproduce, eliminates her heat cycle and breeding instinct related behaviors. An ovariectomy is comparatively less invasive and faster than an ovariohysterectomy.

How is Dog Ovariectomy done?

• The process remains the same as the above ovariohysterectomy procedure. The only difference is that, instead of removing all the reproductive organs- the two ovaries, the uterine horns and the body of the uterus, only the two ovaries are removed, whereas the uterine horns and uterus remain.

Hysterectomy

What is Dog Hysterectomy and for Which Dogs is it Suitable?

• A dog hysterectomy is also called an “ovary-sparing spay”. The procedure removes a dog’s uterus, while leaving the ovaries intact. What this means is that the female dog will still have heat cycles, have breeding instincts, and be attractive to male dogs. But because the uterus is removed, even if a mating occurs, the female will not be able to become pregnant.

• A hysterectomy is preferred in large or giant dog breeds, as recent studies have shown possible benefits of keeping their hormones balanced. And, since ovaries play a key role in regulating the hormones, they are left intact. The retention also helps reduce the risk of developing certain diseases, leading to a longer life for the dog. 

What is the Hysterectomy Procedure in dogs?

• The process is pretty much the same as ovariohysterectomy. The only difference is that a larger incision will be made, so the uterus can be fully visualized throughout the operation. Then the uterus is pulled to the surface, so the entire uterus can be tied off and removed right at the cervix. The ovaries and uterine horn are left untouched.

Tubal Ligation

What is Canine Tubal Ligation and what are its Disadvantages?

• ‘Having the tubes tied’ or ‘tubal sterilization’, is a method of permanent birth control for female dogs. During this surgical procedure, the fallopian tubes are blocked or cut to prevent movement of the egg to the uterus for fertilization, it also blocks sperm from traveling up the fallopian tubes to fertilize the egg. A dog having had a tubal ligation, will still maintain heat cycles, produce a steady level of hormones, and have breeding instincts, but on mating, she won’t get pregnant.

• However, with this treatment pyometra remains a concern, which makes it less preferred hence uncommon.

What is the Tubal Ligation Procedure?

• Preoperative evaluation consisting of a thorough physical examination and blood testing may be required. If a tubal ligation is performed for reasons other than preventing reproduction, such as in older animals with tumors, other diagnostic tests may be necessary to determine risk from anesthesia.

• Some veterinarians perform the surgery traditionally, through an incision on the abdomen, while some prefer a minimally invasive technique, using a small, flexible camera called a scope (laparoscopy). Some surgeons may prefer surface sutures to close the skin incision, whereas others might use internal sutures, that get absorbed into the tissue.

Laparoscopic Dog Neutering

What is Laparoscopic Sterilization and how is it performed?

• You can get your dog, male or female neutered by having the operations performed laparoscopically as well. Along with the traditional way of having one big incision to perform the surgery, you have another option of getting the same procedure done through 2/3 small incisions in the abdomen, typically 5-10mm in size.

• In a laparoscopic dog neutering operation, two small incisions are made and a small amount of gas is introduced internally through the first incision, to lift the body wall away from the internal organs. Then, a small camera is inserted, through the same incision to view the insides, on a screen. Following which, surgical instruments are inserted through the second wound to conduct the operation. 

• This method is less commonly used in animals, and is also more expensive than the traditional way. But, it benefits the patient with lesser trauma, minimal pain, and faster healing time.

Reversible/Temporary, Non-surgical Neutering Methods

Canine Hormonal Down-regulation

What does Canine Hormonal Down Regulation mean and what are the ways it can be achieved?

• This process includes the use of exogenous synthetic steroid hormones, to suppress fertility of both sexes, by inhibiting the production of endogenous hormones. It can be administered, orally or by injection, daily or at weekly intervals by caregivers, when suitable.

• Both synthetic progestins and androgens are used in veterinary medicine, for the control of conditions caused or exacerbated by steroid sex hormones, and for the management of behavioural problems influenced by testosterone or oestrogen. But the impractical fact that these are only suitable for short-term use and need to be administered frequently, limit their usage for stray contraception.

• These agonists can also be administered via implants and are reversible, which reduces the need for frequent dosing, as the active chemical is released slowly from the implant. Nevertheless, the implants too need to be replaced regularly, every 6 to 12 months, to maintain infertility, which again make them unsuitable for use in stray or feral populations.

Immunocontraception In Dogs

How does Immunocontraception work in dogs and what are its Pros and Cons?

• This novel approach to control canine reproduction, uses the dog’s own body’s immune system to inhibit fertility. They are also referred to as ‘immunosterilisation’ or ‘immunocastration’. It involves the introduction of exogenous reproductive proteins or antigens, via injection, to trigger the animal (of both sexes) to produce antibodies, which also act against their own (endogenous) reproductive hormones and proteins, hence neutralising their activity and inhibiting the normal reproductive processes.

• An advantage of the developing process is that, it might be suitable for oral administration which would be helpful for the stray population too, as it could be delivered via a bait, eliminating the need for animal capture. The main concern at this stage is unquantified side effects, along with achieving efficacy over long periods of time, following a single injection as currently additional boosters seem to be required.

Making the Right Choice: Finding the Best Dog Neutering Option

• Choosing the right dog neutering option can feel overwhelming, but it’s a decision that’s worth all the thought. Whether you’re leaning towards a traditional procedure like castration or spaying, or considering a less invasive option like Zeutering or laparoscopic neutering, each choice comes with its own set of benefits and at times challenges too, which can only be navigated best by your vet. At the end of the day, it’s all about finding the best fit for your dog’s health and well-being. So take a deep breath, consult with your vet, and remember that no matter which path you choose, you’re helping your dog live a longer, healthier life. Because, the right choice today means a healthier, happier dog for years to come.

Srijana Saha

Srijana, founder of Godly Dog, brings 12+ years of experience caring for dogs, including her 6 fur kids: a Labrador, 2 Spitz, and 3 Indie rescues. She has studied natural dog nutrition and behavior to better understand and care for them. A passionate advocate for strays and a dedicated volunteer, she believes dogs embody godliness, inspiring unconditional love and selflessness. Through Godly Dog, she shares practical advice to ensure every dog gets the love, care, and respect they deserve.