Sterilization in Dogs: Complete Guide 2025

Spaying and neutering your dog is an important topic for your pet's health and well-being, but many questions often arise: When is the best time to do it? What are the benefits and possible negative effects? How to care for your dog after surgery? In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about this procedure, from its positive impact on your dog's health to post-operative care to ensure a successful recovery. Read on to find out why spaying and neutering your dog can be one of the best decisions for their quality of life!

What is sterilization in dogs?

Spaying in dogs is a surgical procedure that eliminates the animal's ability to reproduce. In females, it involves the removal of the ovaries and uterus (ovariohysterectomy), while in males, the testicles are removed (castration).

Types of sterilization in dogs

In male dogs:

• Chemical castration: Use of chemicals or hormonal implants to stop sperm and testosterone production. It is reversible in some cases, provided that the timing of hormonal products is properly managed.
• Surgical castration: Traditional procedure in which the testicles are removed through an incision in the scrotum. This is the most common and effective method.

Types of sterilization for female dogs

• Chemical sterilization: Use of medications or hormonal implants to temporarily prevent fertility. It is less invasive, but its effects are not always permanent, so proper scheduling of the application of these medications is necessary.
• Oviductal ligation: A less common procedure that only blocks the oviducts to prevent fertilization of the egg.
• Ovariectomy: Only the ovaries are removed. It also prevents heat and reproduction, leaving the uterus intact.
• Ovariohysterectomy: Removal of the ovaries and uterus. This is the most common method and eliminates both reproductive capacity and heat. This method of sterilization, compared to the previous ones, serves as a preventive measure against reproductive tract diseases that can put your pet's life at risk.

Benefits of sterilization in dogs

• Reduces the risk of uterine infections (pyometra) and mammary tumors in females.
• Prevents prostate diseases and certain types of testicular cancer in males.
• Improves quality of life by eliminating problems associated with the reproductive system.
• Reduces territorial behaviors, such as urine marking.
• Reduces aggression and the desire to escape in search of a mate, especially in males.
• Helps control the population of abandoned or homeless dogs.
• In females, it prevents bleeding and restless behavior during heat.
• In males, it reduces attraction to females in heat and related behaviors.
• Spayed dogs often live longer due to the prevention of mating-related diseases.

You may be interested in: behavior of a dog in heat .

What is the difference between spaying and neutering?

The main difference between spaying and neutering lies in the scope of the procedure and its effects. Castration is the surgical removal of the gonads (ovaries in females and testicles in males) and sterilization refers to any method that prevents reproduction (chemical sterilization or surgical sterilization) and depending on the technique, the gonads and various sexual organs may or may not be preserved. Both prevent reproduction, but in the case of techniques where the gonads are removed, the production of sexual hormones is eliminated, generating changes in behavior and reducing the risk of hormonal or reproductive diseases.

How much does it cost to spay a dog?

The cost of neutering a dog in Mexico varies depending on factors such as the size of the animal, its sex, and the veterinary clinic chosen. In general, prices range in private clinics from $1,400 to $5,000 MXN. For example, neutering a male is cheaper than a female, regardless of weight, given that a 2 kg dog can cost around $1,400 MXN, while for a 30 kg dog the price can reach $4,500 MXN. Similarly, some public institutions, such as the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics of the UNAM, offer low-cost sterilization services, with rates that vary depending on the weight of the dog, between $800 and $1,200 MXN.

What happens to dogs after sterilization?

After sterilization, dogs go through a physical recovery process and may experience changes in their behavior and health. Immediately after surgery, it is common for them to be drowsy and disoriented due to the effects of anesthesia, which usually disappear within a few hours. They may also experience mild discomfort in the operated area, which is managed with painkillers, anti-inflammatories and antibiotics prescribed by the veterinarian to promote proper recovery.

During the recovery period, which lasts between 7 and 14 days, it is important to prevent the dog from licking or biting the wound, for which an Elizabethan collar or body is used. In addition, it is recommended to limit physical activity, such as running or jumping, to avoid complications such as the wound opening. Postoperative care includes examining the wound and cleaning it to ensure that it heals properly.

What are the negative effects of sterilization?

Although sterilization has many benefits, it can also have some negative effects that vary depending on the case and the aftercare. The main ones are:

• Tendency to weight gain: Spaying can slow down the metabolism due to the reduction of sex hormones, which increases the risk of obesity if diet and physical activity are not controlled.
• Risk of surgical complications: As with any surgery, there is a risk of complications during the procedure, such as adverse reactions to anesthesia, infections, or scarring problems.
• Urinary problems : In some cases, especially in spayed females, urinary incontinence may develop due to decreased estrogen, although this can be managed with veterinary treatment.
• Unexpected hormonal changes: In dogs spayed before reaching sexual maturity, some studies suggest a possible increased risk of certain long-term health problems, such as joint incongruity as in hip dysplasia in dogs , growth problems or some types of cancer in dogs .

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How to care for a dog after sterilization?

• For the first 7 to 10 days, it's important to rest your dog. Avoid strenuous exercise, such as running, jumping, or rough play. This will help prevent the wound from opening or becoming infected.
• Check the surgical site daily to make sure there are no signs of infection, such as redness, swelling or discharge. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian. In many cases, an Elizabethan collar or bodysuit is used to prevent the dog from licking or biting the wound.
• Your vet will likely prescribe pain medication and antibiotics to control postoperative pain. Be sure to follow directions for dosage and timing, and don't hesitate to ask questions if you have any questions about the medications.
• Your dog may not have much of an appetite for the first 24 hours after surgery due to the effects of anesthesia. Make sure to offer fresh water, and if he won't eat, you can try soft, easy-to-digest foods. If his appetite doesn't improve within 48 hours, consult your veterinarian.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a sterilized dog last?

The lifespan of a spayed dog may be longer than that of an unspayed dog, as spaying helps prevent serious diseases such as prostate cancer, uterine infections, and certain types of tumors. Although a dog's longevity depends on several factors, such as its breed, size, genetics, and general care, it is estimated that spayed dogs can live 20% to 30% longer than unspayed dogs. For example, while an unspayed dog can live on average between 8 and 12 years, a spayed dog could reach 12 to 15 years, with a better quality of life if it receives proper veterinary care.

How do I know if my dog ​​has been spayed?

To find out if your dog has been spayed, you can check for a scar on his abdomen or near the scrotum area (in males). In females, the scar from an ovariohysterectomy (removal of the ovaries and uterus) is often visible in the abdominal area. In addition, vets often mark spayed dogs with a small cut or tattoo on the abdomen near the scar. If you can't identify a scar or mark, it's best to take your dog to the vet, who can perform an ultrasound to confirm whether he's been spayed.

What is the maximum age to spay a female dog?

The maximum age for spaying a female dog is not completely defined, as it depends on her overall health, breed, and medical conditions. However, most veterinarians recommend spaying female dogs before their first heat, around 6 to 9 months of age, to maximize health benefits and prevent risks such as mammary cancer. However, older female dogs can also be successfully spayed, as long as an evaluation of their overall health is performed. In dogs older than 5 years, especially if they have health problems, the procedure may require additional precautions and more thorough preoperative examinations to ensure that the surgery is safe.

How many days should a sterilized dog rest?

After a spay, a dog should be kept at rest for approximately 7 to 15 days to allow for proper recovery.

Conclusion

In conclusion, spaying and neutering dogs is an important decision that not only helps control the animal population, but also offers significant benefits for your pet's health and behavior. While the process involves postoperative care, the long-term results, such as disease prevention and improved quality of life, make it a recommended option for many owners. Always remember to consult your veterinarian to make the best decision based on your dog's specific needs.