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
Need to know more about neutering?
Medically reviewed by
Published on 09/06/2025 • Reviewed on 09/06/2025