Overview
No dog needs to be neutered as a rule, and the signs discussed here are not guarantees. But if you're not planning to breed from your dog, certain behaviours or health changes may be good reasons to have a conversation with your vet. These include behavioural habits, health conditions, and the risk of unplanned litters.
Some signs are easy to spot, like humping, marking indoors or trying to escape the garden. Others, such as aggression or health issues like an enlarged prostate or testicular changes, may be less obvious. These can be linked to hormones, but they don’t always mean neutering your dog is the only or best solution.
Behavioural signs to look out for
Health reasons to consider neutering
Neutering female dogs
When is the right time to neuter?
Benefits of neutering your dog
Warning signs after dog neutering
Need to know more about neutering?
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 2021. Spaying and neutering. [online] AVMA. Available at: https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/spaying-and-neutering [Accessed 26 May 2025].
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, n.d. Castration (neutering) in dogs. [online] Available at: https://www.vet.cornell.edu [Accessed 26 May 2025].
VCA Animal Hospitals, n.d. Neutering in dogs. [online] VCA Hospitals. Available at: https://vcahospitals.com [Accessed 26 May 2025].
ASPCA, n.d. Pet care: Neutering your male dog. [online] ASPCA. Available at: https://www.aspca.org [Accessed 26 May 2025].
University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, 2020. Long-term health risks and benefits associated with spay / neuter in dogs. [online] Available at: https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu [Accessed 26 May 2025].
British Veterinary Association (BVA), 2022. Neutering your pet. [online] BVA. Available at: https://www.bva.co.uk [Accessed 26 May 2025].
Hart, B.L., Hart, L.A. and Thigpen, A.P., 2020. Neutering of German Shepherd dogs: associated joint disorders and cancers. Veterinary Medicine and Science, 6(2), pp.279–287. DOI: 10.1002/vms3.135.
Medically reviewed by Lizzie Youens, BSc(Hons) BVSc MRCVS
Published on 09/06/2025 • Reviewed on 16/06/2025