Should I Castrate My Male Dog? Weighing up the Pros and Cons
Castration (also called neutering) is one of the most common elective procedures offered in veterinary practice, but as with any medical decision, it’s important to weigh the benefits and risks based on your individual dog’s circumstances.
Traditional Benefits of Castration
Historically, castration has been recommended for three main reasons:
Health benefits
Behavioural improvements
Population control
And while these reasons are still valid in many cases, newer research has added more nuance to the discussion.
Health Benefits of Castration
Castration eliminates the testicles, removing the source of testosterone and, with it, a number of hormone-driven diseases. These include:
Testicular cancer – Castration entirely prevents this, although testicular tumours are relatively uncommon.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – Age-related prostate enlargement caused by testosterone. Castration is curative.
Perianal adenomas – Hormone-dependent tumours around the anus, mostly seen in intact males.
Testicular torsion – A painful and potentially serious condition that is eliminated entirely by removing the testicles.
Prostatitis – Infections or inflammation of the prostate, often influenced by testosterone levels, are less likely in neutered males.
These conditions can usually be caught early with regular check-ups, so castration is not always essential for prevention — but it does reduce the medical risk substantially.
Potential Health Risks: Prostate Cancer
One of the more recent concerns around routine castration is its association with a higher risk of prostate cancer. Studies suggest neutered dogs may be 2 to 4 times more likely to develop prostatic adenocarcinoma, a rare but aggressive form of cancer.
This is thought to occur because castration removes the balancing effects of testosterone. While testosterone contributes to benign conditions like BPH, it may also offer a degree of protection against malignant prostate changes.
Important to note: Prostate cancer in dogs remains very rare, regardless of neuter status. Most dogs will never develop it, so while it’s worth considering, it shouldn’t overshadow all other factors.
Behavioural Benefits
Many of the behavioural advantages of castration relate to testosterone-driven habits, such as:
Roaming or escape attempts
Mounting behaviour
Marking with urine
Aggression toward or from other male dogs
These behaviours often reduce or resolve after neutering, particularly in younger dogs or when the behaviour is hormone-driven.
A real-world example: One of our vets shared how their own male dog was repeatedly targeted by other males. After castration, those confrontations stopped entirely — a critical consideration for a small dog where injuries could be serious.
Population Control
Neutering remains an effective tool in reducing unwanted litters, which helps to control overpopulation and reduce pressure on rescue centres.
So, Should You Castrate Your Dog?
There is no “one-size-fits-all” answer. While castration offers clear benefits — particularly when there are behavioural concerns or a medical indication — not all dogs need to be neutered by default.
Each case should be assessed individually. Factors like age, breed, lifestyle, temperament, and any existing health conditions all play a role in the decision.
Our Recommendation
At our practice, we advocate for informed decision-making. We may suggest castration if:
Your dog has problematic hormone-related behaviours
There is a medical need (e.g. prostate or testicular disease)
Population control is a concern in your household or area
Otherwise, we may recommend waiting, monitoring, and reassessing as your dog matures. If you're unsure about the best option for your dog, we’re here to help. Book a consultation to discuss your pet’s specific risks and benefits so you can make a decision that’s right for both of you.
