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There is a lot to be learned about the sexual behavior of neutered dogs, and there are a lot of questions that you may have that need answering.
In this article, we aim to answer all of your burning questions about getting your dog neutered and their sexual behavior that can follow even after the procedure.
For those who don’t already know, neutering in dogs is the surgical removal of the testicles, which, while not all will agree with it, can have its own benefits.
The procedure itself actually involves general anesthesia, and an incision is made to remove both of the testicles while leaving the sac intact.
This procedure will sterilize your male dog to stop them from being able to impregnate other female dogs. It will not stop the production of male hormones, and the procedure is safe.
Neutering can lead to changes in behavior, and it will ensure that your male dog cannot reproduce. If you are thinking about getting your dog neutered, or you have recently done so, you might be left wondering about what happens next.
We will talk you through everything that you need to know about what you can expect to happen after the procedure.
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Will My Dog’s Behavior Change After Being Neutered?
There aren’t likely to be any concerning or major behavioral changes with your dog following the procedure, but there are likely to be some changes in their sexual behavior.
It is not uncommon for them to be less interested in sex, though some dogs will still try regardless. This leads us on to the next most asked question.
Can Neutered Dogs Ejaculate?
It is a perfectly normal part of life for dogs to mate with one another, and if your curiosity has gotten the better of you, you may be surprised to learn that even when a dog has been neutered, they can still get erections and ejaculate.
The function is just as it was before, though the purpose is different. After being neutered, your dog can still mount another; they just won’t be able to impregnate them.
Many dogs will no longer show any sexual interest after the procedure, but some will. It all depends on how driven they are by their hormones.
If you are getting your dog neutered to stop them from trying to engage with your other dog, this might not always be successful.
After they have been neutered, your dog will likely still mount the other one, and they might even masturbate as they have already associated the experience with feeling good.
Though neutering will not always stop a dog from mounting or masturbating, it will work to reduce their sexual motivation. This is often triggered when the female dog is in heat, but it is not always the case.
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Why Does My Dog Display Sexual Behavior?
The sexual behavior that your dog is displaying is completely normal. It can occur due to a variety of different factors, and we will explain some of these for you below.
A common reason for a dog to display sexual behavior is due to the fact that they are responding to feelings like stress or excitement.
All dogs respond to emotions differently, and when your dog gets excited or stressed, they may try to express this through becoming aroused and trying to work out their emotions with another dog or even a nearby object.
Another reason for mounting other dogs is due to a display of social status or as a way to maintain control over a certain situation. In these situations, it is unlikely that they are displaying this type of behavior for sexual pleasure, and it is usually just a display of authority or status instead.
Some dogs can also develop compulsive habits that they cannot always control. This is usually due to stress-related emotions that lead to compulsions in the form of masturbating or mounting that can also interfere with your dog’s normal function. This is a more uncommon trait for them to have, but it is possible.
Some of these problems can be solved with behavioral therapy or by neutering your dog, but it might not always be 100% effective. More often than not, neutering will slightly suppress your dog’s sexual nature, but this cannot be said for all dogs.
The Benefits of Neutering a Dog
As well as changes in behavior, neutering your dog can also have other benefits. The most obvious of these is probably also the most important.
It will eliminate the possibility of your dog being able to impregnate a female dog, therefore controlling the dog population.
Every year, millions of unwanted dogs are abandoned and killed across the United States, which is truly devastating. If you do not want your dogs to reproduce, neutering can help to lessen the problem.
It is just as important as spaying female dogs to help with this growing issue across the world. There is an overpopulation of dogs that are unwanted at the moment, and the more people that follow up with this procedure, the less of an issue this will be in the future.
Another benefit is known medically. Having your dog neutered will completely eliminate the possibility of them developing testicular cancer, and it also lessens the risk of prostate disease significantly. These conditions can both be extremely dangerous and life-threatening, especially in older dogs.
Many dogs can develop cancers later in life, and neutering helps to eliminate or lessen the risks to their health. Other conditions that the risk will be lowered for are perianal tumors and perineal hernias.
The Risks of Neutering Your Dog
Today, with advances in veterinary medicine and knowledge, the risks of neutering your dog are really low. The necessary precautions will be taken to ensure your dog’s safety, and it is rare that any complications will occur during the procedure.
The majority of young and healthy dogs that are neutered will recover without any issues, and the biggest concern actually doesn’t revolve around the procedure itself but the anesthesia. You will be advised on how to take care of your dog following the procedure.