What does neutering mean?

Neutering is a common procedure in veterinary practices. It’s also known as castration in male dogs and spaying in females. Neutering permanently prevents dogs from reproducing (breeding). Most vet practices carry out neutering operations every day.

The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic, so your Labrador will be fast asleep throughout and won’t feel any pain. In males, the testicles are removed. In females, the ovaries and uterus are removed. For most Labradors, neutering is a routine procedure, and complications are uncommon.

Why do vets recommend neutering in Labradors?

Neutering offers multiple benefits for Labradors and their owners, including:

Population control

• Preventing unplanned litters and reducing the number of unwanted or homeless dogs.

Behavioural considerations

• Neutering may help to reduce some hormone-driven behaviours, such as roaming, urine marking and inappropriate sexual behaviour (‘humping’). This can be helpful in Labradors who can be overly ‘sociable’ and easily distracted, especially intact males.

• However, it’s important to remember that neutering isn’t a cure-all for behavioural problems.

Health benefits

• In female Labradors, spaying prevents pyometra (a serious and potentially life-threatening womb infection) and reduces the risk of mammary tumours, particularly if done before two years of age.

• In male Labradors, neutering eliminates the risk of testicular tumours and reduces the likelihood of prostate disease later on in life.

How neutering may affect behaviour in Labradors

While neutering can be helpful in many situations, it’s not a solution for every behaviour issue. Neutering can sometimes worsen nervousness or reduce your Labrador’s confidence, especially in dogs who are already sensitive or anxious. It’s essential to talk things through first of all with your vet (and a behaviourist, if necessary) if your Labrador has existing behavioural concerns.

Neutering mainly affects behaviour that’s driven by sex hormones, such as territorial urine scent-marking or increased attention-seeking when females are in season. It doesn’t change your dog’s learned behaviour or their underlying personality. It won’t ‘cure’ issues like anxiety, fear-based aggression, excessive barking or problems associated with poor training. These types of behaviours usually need professional behavioural support, along with lots of patience and consistency from owners.

One common myth is that neutering will “calm a Labrador down.” While it may slightly reduce hormone-driven behaviours, it won’t remove their enthusiasm, curiosity, stubbornness, intelligence or their need for exercise. Your Labrador will still be the same dog, just without the reproductive hormones.

When is the right time to neuter a Labrador?

Timing matters, particularly for large breeds like Labradors, which are slow to mature. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Talk to your vet for advice and guidance based on your individual dog.

Age
Historically, many dogs were neutered around six months old. More recent research suggests Labradors may benefit from waiting longer, until they are more physically and emotionally mature - often between 12 and 24 months old.

Breed size and joint health
Labradors are prone to joint conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia. Some studies have linked early neutering to an increased risk of joint problems in large breeds, which is why waiting until growth plates have closed is often recommended.

Individual health factors
Early neutering is advisable for certain health threats, such as undescended testicles in male dogs. However, in female Labradors, very early spaying may increase the risk of urinary incontinence. Waiting until around 7–18 months can help to reduce this risk. Female Labrador puppies who suffer from juvenile vaginitis, an inflammation associated with low oestrogen levels, should not be neutered until their tract is mature, after their first season.

Reproductive cycle
Female Labradors should ideally be spayed around three months after a season to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding during surgery.

The neutering procedure

Preparation
Your Labrador will be given a sedative to help them relax, followed by a general anaesthetic so that they can sleep comfortably throughout the procedure.

Surgery

• Male Labradors:  The vet makes a small cut near the scrotum and removes both testicles.

• Female Labradors: The vet makes a wound in the tummy, starting near the umbilicus, to remove the ovaries, and usually the uterus as well. Some practices also offer keyhole (laparoscopic) spaying, which involves removing only the ovaries.

Recovery
The wound is closed with stitches, which are often buried beneath the skin so you won’t see them. Your Labrador will receive pain relief and be closely monitored until they are ready to go home. Most dogs go home the same day.

Home care
Your dog will come home with pain relief and a buster collar or medical suit. Labradors are enthusiastic and not known for self-restraint, so strict rest for around 10 days is essential - strictly no jumping or zoomies. Licking the wound can lead to infection or wound breakdown, so always follow your vet’s instructions carefully.

Common Neutering Q&As for Labradors

Q: Will my Labrador gain weight after neutering?
A: Labradors are prone to weight gain for multiple reasons! Neutering can slightly reduce metabolism and increase appetite. But neutering alone doesn’t cause weight gain. Consuming too many calories does!. Control portion sizes carefully, ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise and avoid feeding too many treats. Talk to your vet for expert advice on feeding after neutering.

Q: Will neutering change my Labrador’s personality?
A: No. Your Labrador will still be playful, affectionate and food-motivated. Neutering affects hormones, not personality.

Q: What are the risks of neutering a Labrador?
A: Neutering is a very common procedure, with a very low risk. As with any surgery, anaesthetic complications and wound issues can happen, but they’re uncommon. Labradors’ tendency to be active too soon after surgery is one of the biggest risk factors for wound problems.

Q: Should my Labrador have a litter first?
A: There’s no proven general health benefit to allowing a Labrador to have a litter before neutering. Pregnancy and nursing carry their own risks and shouldn’t be undertaken without careful consideration.

Q: Are there any downsides to neutering Labradors?
A: Possibly. There’s a risk of weight gain without dietary adjustments, joint issues if neutered too early, and potentially behavioural complications in anxious dogs. Talk to your vet for guidance specific to your dog.

Join us next month for a vet-written blog focused on parasite control in Labrador puppies, helping you keep your growing Lab healthy, protected, and thriving.