Neutering Your Male Dog & What to Expect

Neutering a pet dog is a good idea for population control and to make your male dog more docile. Male dogs that have been neutered are less agitated, less aggressive and less prone to run away, and the surgery necessitates aftercare for your dog. Make sure your dog is comfortable for up to two weeks after the procedure.

Things You'll Need

  • Elizabethan collar
  • Crate
  • Water/dry food

Instructions

    • 1

      Pick up your dog gently after surgery, and carry him in and out of the car. The anesthesia will make him drowsy and clumsy, so do not allow him to jump or exert himself.

    • 2

      Keep your dog away from stairs while he is healing to avoid ripping stitches out.

    • 3

      Lay your dog in his crate immediately after surgery so he can sleep off the anesthesia. Do not take off his "Elizabethan" collar, which is a hard plastic barrier preventing him from licking the wounds. Leave the collar on for two weeks or until your veterinarian says you can remove it.

    • 4

      Keep your dog away from children and other pets for at least 24 hours after surgery. He will be in pain and might snap at someone. It is best to keep him as isolated as possible during this time.

    • 5

      Give your dog water and dry dog food that is half of what he normally eats. Dogs are rarely hungry after surgery, but he will need water. The dry food is good for absorbing stomach acids that built up from the anesthesia.

    • 6

      Apply antibacterial solutions to your dog's wounds per your vet's instructions.

    • 7

      Take your dog outside to go to the bathroom every two hours for up to 24 hours. Dogs receive extra fluid before and during surgery, so he will need to urinate frequently.