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Common Myths About Spaying and Neutering Dogs

Common Myths About Spaying and Neutering Dogs

Spay and Neuter

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Owners

Don’t let myths stop you from protecting your dog. Learn the truth about spaying and neutering—health, behavior, safety, and long-term benefits

By 

Sustainable Vet Group

Updated on

July 5, 2025

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Why These Myths Matter

Spaying and neutering are common surgeries, yet many dog owners still hesitate because of myths or outdated information. These false beliefs can cause confusion, delay important health decisions, or lead to fear about the safety of the procedure.

When owners believe the wrong things—like thinking neutering will ruin a dog’s personality or that spaying always causes weight gain—they may avoid or postpone surgery. This can increase the risk of health problems like unwanted litters, mammary cancer, or testicular disease.

Why separating myth from fact is important:

  • It helps you make the right choice at the right time
  • It reduces fear based on old or incorrect stories
  • It protects your dog’s long-term health and behavior
  • It encourages responsible pet ownership and reduces shelter populations

Misinformation spreads fast, especially online. That’s why it’s critical to check facts with your vet and focus on what science and experience really show about spaying and neutering.

Myth 1 – My Dog Will Get Fat After Spaying or Neutering

It’s a common belief that spayed or neutered dogs always gain weight, but this isn’t caused by the surgery itself. Weight gain happens when your dog’s calorie intake stays the same while their metabolism slows slightly after the procedure.

What actually causes weight gain:

  • Overfeeding or free feeding
  • Lack of daily exercise or mental stimulation
  • Breed tendency (e.g., Labs, Beagles gain weight more easily)
  • Ignoring portion size after sterilization

Neutered dogs may require 10–20% fewer calories than before. Adjusting their food and keeping up with daily walks keeps them lean and healthy. It’s not about the surgery—it’s about how you feed and care for your dog afterward.

Myth 2 – It’s Better for My Female Dog to Have One Litter First

Many people think letting a female dog have “just one litter” is healthier. In fact, science says the opposite. Spaying before the first heat greatly reduces the risk of mammary (breast) tumors—by more than 90%.

Other major risks from delaying spay include:

  • Pyometra – a life-threatening uterine infection
  • Ovarian and uterine cancers
  • Increased risk of accidental pregnancy

Benefits of early spaying:

  • No heat cycles
  • No risk of unwanted litters
  • Strong protection against reproductive diseases

There is no medical reason to let a dog go through pregnancy before spaying. The myth is based on emotion, not evidence. Early spaying provides real, long-term protection.

Myth 3 – Neutering Makes My Dog Less Masculine or “Weak”

Some owners feel neutering takes away a male dog’s “manliness” or power. But dogs don’t think about masculinity the way humans do. Neutering only removes the testicles—it doesn’t change your dog’s identity, strength, or love for you.

What doesn’t change after neutering:

  • Your dog’s personality and playfulness
  • Their energy and ability to train
  • Their loyalty and bond with you

What often improves:

  • Reduced marking or humping
  • Less roaming or escaping
  • Lower risk of prostate problems

Your dog’s confidence and behavior are shaped by training, environment, and socialization—not hormones alone. Neutering makes him easier to manage, not weaker.

Myth 4 – My Dog’s Personality Will Change After Surgery

Neutering or spaying changes hormone-driven behaviors, not your dog’s true personality. Your dog won’t forget who they are or stop loving you after surgery.

What may improve after surgery:

  • Marking or spraying urine
  • Roaming to find a mate
  • Mounting and humping

What stays the same:

  • Intelligence and playfulness
  • How they bond with people
  • Temperament shaped by training

Spaying or neutering may make your dog calmer, but it doesn’t make them dull. The goal is to reduce risky behaviors, not change their spirit.

Read more about:

  • Dog Post-Spay and Neuter Recovery Care
  • Spay and Neuter Risks for Dogs
  • Dog Spay and Neuter Cost Breakdown
  • Myth 5 – Neutering Causes Laziness or Depression

    After surgery, your dog might seem sleepy or quiet for a day or two. That’s normal—it’s part of recovery from anesthesia and pain medication. It does not mean they are depressed or lazy for life.

    Here’s what actually happens:

    • Temporary tiredness for 1–2 days
    • Normal energy returns within 3–5 days
    • Full activity resumes by Day 10–14

    Dogs return to their usual behavior when given time to heal and proper care. If your dog becomes less active long-term, it's more likely due to overfeeding or lack of stimulation, not the surgery itself.

    Myth 6 – My Dog Will Become Aggressive or Fearful After Being Fixed

    Neutering doesn’t cause aggression—it often helps reduce it, especially when it’s linked to hormones. Some dogs may show temporary nervousness after surgery, but that fades as they heal.

    What affects behavior most:

    • Socialization as a puppy
    • Ongoing training and boundaries
    • How owners respond to fear or stress

    What neutering may reduce:

    • Testosterone-driven aggression
    • Territorial behaviors like fighting or marking
    • Dominance around other dogs

    Neutering is not a cure-all, but it can support better behavior when combined with consistent training.

    Myth 7 – It’s Unsafe to Spay or Neuter Young Dogs

    Some people worry that spaying or neutering puppies is dangerous. But when done by a trained vet, early-age surgery (as young as 8 weeks) is safe and routine in shelters.

    When early-age spay/neuter is appropriate:

    • Small-breed puppies can be safely fixed at 6–9 months
    • Shelter puppies may be spayed as early as 8 weeks
    • Large breeds may benefit from delayed surgery for joint health

    Your vet will decide the safest timing based on breed, weight, and overall health. For most dogs, early surgery is low-risk and leads to a fast recovery.

    Myth 8 – Spaying or Neutering Is Painful or Dangerous

    Spay and neuter surgeries are done under general anesthesia, so your dog feels no pain during the procedure. Vets also give pain relief medication before and after surgery.

    Modern veterinary care includes:

    • Pre-op bloodwork and physical exams
    • IV fluids and anesthesia monitoring
    • Post-op pain management
    • Clean, sterile equipment and trained teams

    While no surgery is 100% risk-free, spaying and neutering are among the safest procedures in veterinary medicine when done by a licensed professional.

    Myth 9 – It’s Too Expensive to Get My Dog Fixed

    The cost of spay or neuter surgery varies, but many low-cost clinics offer affordable options. Some animal shelters and nonprofits even provide free or discounted services.

    Long-term savings:

    • Avoids the cost of caring for unwanted puppies
    • Prevents diseases like pyometra or testicular cancer
    • Reduces emergency vet visits from roaming or fights

    Paying for surgery once can save hundreds—or even thousands—over your dog’s lifetime. Responsible care is often more affordable than dealing with problems later.

    Myth 10 – Spay/Neuter Fixes All Problem Behaviors Instantly

    Surgery helps with behaviors linked to hormones, but it’s not a quick fix for everything. Your dog still needs guidance, structure, and time to adjust.

    Surgery may help reduce:

    • Roaming, humping, marking
    • Aggression linked to mating instincts

    What surgery doesn’t fix:

    • Fear-based aggression
    • Separation anxiety
    • Chewing or barking from boredom

    Training, socialization, and routine matter just as much as surgery. Think of spay/neuter as one helpful tool—not a full behavior makeover.

    Myth 11 – It’s Unnatural to Interfere With My Dog’s Reproductive Instincts

    Dogs are domesticated animals—not wild wolves. Their lives depend on human care, and that includes managing their health and preventing overpopulation.

    Why spay/neuter is responsible:

    • Avoids unwanted litters and homeless animals
    • Improves your dog’s health and safety
    • Helps dogs live longer, more peaceful lives

    Letting nature take its course often leads to more suffering—for both pets and shelters. Responsible ownership sometimes means stepping in for their well-being.

    Myth 12 – I’ll Make Money Breeding My Dog

    Breeding dogs might sound profitable, but in reality, it’s full of hidden costs and risks. Most pet owners lose money rather than earn it.

    True costs of breeding:

    • Health testing and vet care for the mother
    • Emergency C-sections or pregnancy complications
    • Feeding and caring for multiple puppies
    • Finding safe, responsible homes

    With too many unwanted dogs already in shelters, breeding without experience or purpose only adds to the problem.

    Myth 13 – Only Female Dogs Need to Be Fixed

    Male dogs play a major role in unplanned litters. One unneutered male can father dozens of puppies in a year if allowed to roam.

    Health and behavior benefits for males:

    • Prevents testicular cancer
    • Reduces risk of prostate problems
    • Decreases marking and aggression
    • Helps keep males calmer and more focused

    Fixing male dogs is just as important as spaying females. It’s a step toward balanced, responsible pet care.

    Myth 14 – I Don’t Need Surgery if I Supervise My Dog

    Even well-trained dogs can escape, slip leashes, or act on instinct. Accidents happen—especially during a female’s heat cycle when males can smell her from blocks away.

    Why supervision isn’t enough:

    • Dogs can dig under or jump over fences
    • Mating can happen in minutes
    • Heat cycles attract unwanted attention

    Surgery gives you peace of mind and reduces the risk of surprise litters or injuries. Responsible care goes beyond just watching—it means planning ahead.

    Final Thoughts

    Spaying and neutering come with many benefits—but myths often get in the way of making the right choice. Believing false stories can delay care, increase risks, or lead to long-term health problems.

    The truth is:

    • Modern spay/neuter surgery is safe and low-risk
    • It prevents disease, reduces behavioral issues, and saves lives
    • Timing and care should be based on science, not fear

    Talk with your vet about your dog’s breed, age, and lifestyle. The more you know, the better decisions you’ll make for your pet’s future.

    Read more about:

  • Dog Behavior Changes After Spay or Neuter
  • Dog Neuter Recovery Time Guide
  • Best Age to Spay or Neuter Your Dog
  • Spay and Neuter Surgery Guide for Dogs
  • FAQs About Spaying and Neutering

    Is it true that my dog will get fat after being spayed or neutered?

    Not necessarily. Weight gain happens from overfeeding and lack of exercise—not from the surgery itself. After spay/neuter, your dog’s metabolism slows slightly, so you may need to reduce food portions and stay consistent with walks.

    Should I let my female dog have one litter before spaying?

    No. Studies show that spaying before the first heat greatly reduces the risk of mammary tumors and uterine infections. There’s no health benefit to letting her have a litter first.

    Will my male dog become less protective after neutering?

    Neutering doesn’t affect your dog’s loyalty or protective instincts. It may reduce hormone-driven behaviors like marking or roaming, but your dog will still guard you if needed.

    Is spaying or neutering painful?

    The surgery is done under full anesthesia, and pain is managed with medication. Most dogs feel tired for a day or two but recover quickly and comfortably with proper care.

    Can I just watch my dog instead of getting them fixed?

    Even with close supervision, accidents happen. Dogs can escape, mate quickly, and cause unplanned litters. Surgery is the safest long-term solution for both health and prevention.

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