If you have a male dog, there’s a good chance you’ll eventually have him neutered. This is a common procedure for canine males and can help with behavior issues and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. However, some dogs exhibit strange behavior after being neutered. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most common behaviors and what you can do about them.
Why Is My Dog Acting Strangely After Getting Neutered?
There are a number of reasons why your dog may be acting strangely after being neutered. Here are some of the most likely causes of the unusual behavior:
1. They’re In Pain
Neutering is a surgical procedure and, like any surgery, there will be some pain and discomfort afterward. This is perfectly normal and should subside within a few days. This pain could make your dog act differently than usual, with lethargy, whining, and a decrease in appetite being some of the most common signs.
If you think your dog is in pain, talk to your veterinarian about what pain medication may be appropriate. It’s important to use only products that are safe for dogs and always follow the dosage instructions provided by your vet.
2. They Want To Defend Themselves
If you see signs of aggression or avoidance after your dog has been neutered, it could be that they’re feeling defensive and protective. This is especially common if your dog was already territorial before the surgery.
3. They Have a Reduction in Testosterone
In some cases, dogs become more passive or avoidant after being neutered. This is often due to the fact that they no longer have testosterone flowing through their system. Testosterone is a hormone that plays a role in aggression and many other masculine behaviors.
4. Your Dog Is Exhausted From the Experience
Another possibility is that your dog is just plain tired from the whole neutering experience. The surgery itself can be taxing and then there’s the recovery period which can take a few days. If your dog seems listless and uninterested in their usual activities, it could be that they’re just worn out.
5. They’re Still Affected By the Anesthetic
It’s not uncommon for dogs to act differently for a day or two after being neutered due to the effects of the anesthesia. This is usually nothing to worry about and will resolve on its own in time, depending on how quickly your dog will metabolize the substance.
6. Your Dog Hasn’t Eaten Yet
Sometimes dogs don’t want to eat much after going through surgery. This is normal and nothing to worry about as long as your dog is otherwise acting normally. They may just need some time to recover their appetite. In the meantime, don’t be surprised to see signs of nausea or vomiting.
7. Your Dog Is Feeling Depressed
It’s not uncommon for dogs to become depressed after being neutered. This is especially common if they were already prone to separation anxiety or other emotional issues. They may be stressed because they can’t play or run like they used to or because they miss the company of other dogs.
What to Do if My Dog Is Acting Strangely After Getting Neutered?
It can be concerning when your dog isn’t acting like his usual self after being neutered. But the good news is that there is plenty that you can do that will help him to feel better and adjust to his new life.
Here are some things that you can do if your dog is acting strangely after getting neutered:
1. Make Him Comfortable
Creating a relaxing environment is one of the best things you can do for a dog that has just undergone surgery. This means giving him a quiet place to rest, free from loud noises and other distractions. You may also want to provide him with a comfortable bed or crate lined with blankets or towels.
2. Give Him Company
A dog’s favorite remedy when healing from surgery is the loving company of its owner. So, make sure to spend plenty of time with your dog during his recovery period. Give him extra scratches behind the ears and let him know he’s a good boy. This will help him feel loved and supported while he heals.
3. Try Giving Him Some Natural Supplements
There are plenty of natural supplements that can help a dog heal from surgery. Some of the most popular ones include turmeric, CBD oil, and omega-fatty acids. These can all help to reduce inflammation and pain while also boosting the immune system.
They can also help to reduce anxiety and aggression if your dog is being triggered by the environment or other animals or people in the home.
4. Keep an Eye on Your Pup
Although it’s normal for dogs to act differently after being neutered, it’s important to keep an eye on your pup in case his behavior changes for the worse. Watch him while you’re at home and consider installing a pet camera if you’ll be away for long periods of time. This way, you can check in on him and make sure he’s doing okay.
If your dog starts to act aggressively or becomes extremely anxious, or shows signs of depression, it’s important to seek professional help from a veterinarian or animal behaviorist. These experts can help to create a treatment plan that will make your pup much happier.
They may recommend changing his diet, increasing his exercise, or giving him additional supplements to help him adjust. They may have him come back in for a check-up to make sure everything is healing properly as well.
Does a Dog’s Personality Change After Neutering?
It’s a common misconception that a dog’s personality will change after they are neutered.
The truth is, a dog’s personality is more likely to change if they are not neutered. This is because the hormones that are responsible for many of the undesirable behaviors associated with puberty (such as aggression and marking territory) are no longer present in their system.
A dog that has been neutered is also less likely to roam, which can make them more relaxed and easier to train.
So, if you’re wondering whether or not a dog’s personality will change after they are neutered, the answer is no. The changes you see in your dog’s personality after the appointment will usually be short-lived and are related to the healing process.
Once your dog has fully recovered from the surgery, they will likely be back to their old self in no time. Just be patient and give them the time and space they need to adjust and things will likely return to normal after a week or two.