Table of Contents
It is always a good decision to neuter your dog. It helps control the dog population and reduces the risk of health issues, including canine tumours. Neutering is a safe procedure for pups and dogs, but most owners notice some behaviour changes in their pets after the procedure. One of the most common complaints is that the dog acts weird after getting neutered.
In this guide, let us understand what changes you should expect in your pet’s behaviour after neutering and what you can do to calm them down.
Dog Acting Weird After Neutering? Here’s What To Expect
Neutering your male dog has several benefits for you and the pet. However, knowing what you should expect after the surgery is important. While the recovery from this procedure is pretty quick and straightforward, dog owners can notice sharp changes in the pet’s behaviour when brought home after neutering.
Neutering is one of the most effective ways to reduce a male dog’s sexual desire. But the procedure can bring about many other behavioural changes you may not expect. One of the most commonly seen effects in a neutered dog is aggression. You may find your dog aggressive right after the procedure, but neutering can make them much calmer. Sterilizing is, in fact, one of the best ways to make the dogs calm and happy.
Here is what you should expect from your dog after neutering:
Keeps sitting
Operated dogs are likely to experience some lethargy and fatigue. So your pet may either keep sitting or even sleep a lot. However, contact the vet immediately if you see any strange signs like difficulty breathing or pale gums.
Appetite loss
The dog has recently undergone major surgery and may take a few days to return to normal life. While some dogs may become normal instantly, others may not show much interest in food and drink. This should resolve on its own as the dog recovers. Make sure you give enough fluid to the dog to prevent dehydration.
Disoriented and weird
It is the anesthesia given during the surgery that makes the dog groggy, so keep a watch on him, or he may fall off. Neutered dogs are likely to behave strange and weird after the procedure because of the stress, anxiety, and pain associated with the experience.
Housebreaking Regression After Neutering
Many dog owners report housebreaking regression in their otherwise disciplined dogs after neutering. It is normal for your previously housebroken dog to start urinating in the house after getting neutered. The reason can be hormonal changes from the procedure changing the urinating needs and patterns of the dog.
Sometimes, the incision or swelling from the surgery can get in the way of normal dog behaviour. However, the problem resolves itself in a week or two without complications. To handle this behaviour, you can try isolating the dog in a small room for a few weeks or supervise him to notice any unexpected activities. Look for restlessness and check with your vet if you feel the need.
Potty Training Regression After Spaying
Pet owners commonly report problems associated with potty training regression after spaying or neutering their dogs. Seeing your dog urinate here and there in the house is frustrating, particularly when the pet has gone through complete potty training as a pup. However, such a regression is quite common after spaying and neutering and can be easily corrected with patience and methods.
The best thing is that you need not worry because potty training regression after spaying does not mean you will have to train the dog from scratch. Rapid hormone changes from spaying or neutering are responsible for pee accidents. Sometimes, the dog shows such strange behaviour from the anxiety and discomfort associated with the procedure and should go away on its own as he recovers.
You can handle potty training regression by crating the dog and keeping a close watch on them. The problem should resolve in about two weeks as the pet gets accustomed to the changes in the body. You mustn’t get angry with the dog for such accidents.
Dog Acting Scared & Restless After Neutering
Neutering is a procedure that reduces the sex drive of the dog and inhibits its reproductive ability. However, it does not bring many behavioural changes or a change in attitude towards people. It is natural to see restlessness and aggression in recently neutered dogs. The reason is the pain experienced from the surgery. You might need some medications prescribed by the vet to handle the pain and discomfort.
There is also a chance that the dog is in trauma from experience at the hospital, the pain, and the surgery. He might need a week or two to calm down and recover. As the dog recovers, his physical activities are limited, and he might get bored from sitting. This change in routine is responsible for the behavioural changes you notice after neutering.
As the dog heals after the surgery, it is important that you keep him calm, confine, supervise and play with him. If you see the dog acting scared, try to assure him that you love him and make him feel secure. You should also ensure the neutered dog is kept away from other pets in the house for a few days. You can consult a vet or specialist if you don’t see a change in the dog’s behaviour after 8-10 days.
Conclusion
Neutering is a safe procedure that does not negatively change your dog’s personality, as commonly believed. The fact is that it prevents aggression, territory marking, roaming, and other unwanted behaviour. It is common to see a temporary behavioural change in dogs after neutering, but it should resolve within days. Consider caring for the dog after the surgery, create a calm environment, and keep him entertained for a speedy recovery.