What does neutering mean?

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

The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic, so your dog will be asleep and won’t feel pain. In males, the testicles are removed, while in females, the ovaries and uterus are removed. For most dogs, neutering is straightforward, and complications are uncommon.

Why do vets recommend neutering?

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

• Population control

  • Preventing unplanned litters of puppies and reducing the number of abandoned and homeless dogs.
    

• Behavioural considerations 

  • Neutering may help to reduce certain hormone-driven behaviours, such as roaming, urine scent-marking and inappropriate sexual behaviour (“humping”). 

  • However, neutering is not a solution for all behavioural problems.
    

• Health benefits

  • In females, spaying prevents pyometra, a serious and potentially life-threatening infection of the womb. Neutering also reduces the risk of mammary tumours, particularly if carried out before 2 years of age. 

  • In males, neutering prevents testicular tumours and reduces the risk of prostate disease. 

While there's no evidence to suggest that Miniature Dachshunds have a higher risk of reproductive cancers compared to other breeds, these benefits still apply, particularly the prevention of pyometra in female dogs.

How neutering may affect behaviour in Miniature Dachshunds

Neutering can help to address certain behavioural challenges, but it won't solve every problem. In some cases, neutering may even make challenging behaviours worse, such as nervousness. So it's important to talk things through with your vet first of all, especially if your Miniature Dachshund already shows signs of anxiety or fearfulness.

Neutering will primarily affect hormone-driven behaviours, such as territorial urine marking or increased attention-seeking when females are in season. It doesn’t change learned behaviours or your dog’s underlying personality. It won’t resolve issues like anxiety, fear-based aggression, excessive barking or problems resulting from poor training. These behaviours usually need professional behavioural support, alongside patient and consistent training.

It’s a common myth that neutering changes a dog’s personality. But your dog will still be the same (opinionated and adorable) individual after neutering. The procedure doesn’t change who they are, only some of their hormone-related behaviour.

When is the right time to neuter your Miniature Dachshund?

Timing of neutering is important. Your vet can help you decide when is the best time, based on your dog’s size, body shape, confidence and overall health. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

• Age: In the past, dogs were often neutered at puberty, around 6 months of age. More recent research suggests that the ideal timing can vary widely, anywhere between six months and two years old or more, depending on the individual dog.

• Breed and body type: Toy and small breeds are often neutered earlier, at around 6–9 months of age. But with their extra-long backs, Miniature Dachshunds are perhaps better thought of as large dogs on short legs (And as far as they’re concerned, they’re even larger!). For this reason, your vet may recommend delaying neutering until your Miniature Dachshund’s bones have matured at around 9–12 months. But in some circumstances, lifestyle and individual risk factors may argue in favour of earlier neutering.

• Individual health factors: Earlier neutering may be advised for certain medical reasons, such as cryptorchidism (undescended testicles). In female dogs, spaying very early can increase the risk of urinary incontinence. Waiting until around 7–18 months may help reduce this risk in some dogs. Female 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 dogs should ideally be spayed around three months after a season to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding during surgery.

The neutering procedure

• Preparation: The vet gives your dog a sedative to help them relax, followed by a general anaesthetic so they are asleep and pain-free throughout the procedure.

• Surgery: 

  • Male dogs: A small incision is made near the scrotum to remove both testicles.

  • Female dogs: The vet makes an incision in the dog's tummy, starting near their belly button, to remove the ovaries and uterus. Some practices also offer keyhole (laparoscopic) spaying, which removes only the ovaries and offers quicker recovery times.
    

• Recovery: The wound is closed with stitches, which are often buried beneath the skin, so you won't actually see them. Your dog will be given pain relief and monitored until they are ready to go home. Most dogs go home the same day.

• Home care: Your dog will come home with painkillers and either a buster collar or a medical suit. They'll need to have strict rest for around 10 days while the wound heals. This is particularly important for dogs like Miniature Dachshunds, as jumping on and off furniture, using stairs, or twisting movements can put unnecessary strain on both the surgical site and their long backs during recovery.
  

Common Miniature Dachshund Neutering Q&As

Q: Will my puppy gain weight after neutering?
A: Neutering doesn’t automatically cause weight gain. Weight gain happens when calorie intake exceeds calories burned. Neutering may slightly alter your dog‘s metabolism, leading to a reduction in their calorie requirements. It’s particularly important to keep your Miniature Dachshund at a healthy weight and body condition, so talk to your vet if you have any concerns. 

Q: Will neutering change my dog’s personality?
A: No. Neutering doesn’t change your dog’s personality or make them less playful. It mainly affects hormone-driven behaviours, such as urine marking. 

Q: What are the risks of neutering a dog?
A: Neutering is one of the most common procedures carried out by vets and generally has a low risk of complications. As with any surgery, there’s a small risk related to anaesthesia and wound healing. Most wound problems relate to aftercare, such as over-exertion or licking.

Q: Should I let my dog have a litter before neutering?
A: There are no proven health benefits to allowing your dog to have a litter before neutering. Pregnancy and nursing carry their own risks and responsibilities, some potentially life-threatening, let alone costly.

Q: Are there any downsides to neutering?
A: Neutering isn’t the right choice for every dog and not always at the same time. Breed, body shape, age, health and behaviour all matter. Your vet can offer guidance on the best options for your Miniature Dachshund.

Join us next month for a vet-written blog on parasite control in Miniature Dachshund puppies, focusing on practical advice and effective prevention.