Many dog owners worry about their furry friends being sad or depressed after getting neutered. Neutering is the surgical removal of a male dog’s testicles or a female dog’s ovaries and uterus. This procedure eliminates the ability to reproduce and often reduces unwanted behaviors associated with the sex drive. While neutering is an important part of responsible pet ownership, it’s normal to have concerns about your dog’s emotional well-being afterwards.
How long does the sadness last?
Most dogs will have some signs of sadness, lethargy, or pain in the few days immediately following the neutering surgery. This is normal as they recover from anesthesia and the operation. Their activity levels and appetite may be decreased during this time.
However, any long-term behavior changes as a direct result of neutering should be minimal. The neutering itself shouldn’t cause more than a few days of feeling “under the weather” for your dog. If your dog seems very sad more than a handful of days after surgery, there may be other underlying issues.
Short term effects
Here are some common effects that are normal as your dog recovers in the days after being neutered:
- Lethargy
- Decreased appetite
- Less interest in toys or walks
- Sleeping more than usual
- Acting melancholy or sad
Your dog went through a major surgery, so feeling a bit down for a couple of days is understandable. Just like humans need down time to recover after a medical procedure, dogs need it too. Don’t worry too much if your dog wants to rest and seems sad for a day or two after coming home from the vet.
Long term effects
After two weeks or so, the short term effects should be gone. There are some long term effects of neutering to be aware of:
- Decrease in roaming, humping, and mounting behaviors
- Less territorial marking and urine spraying indoors
- Decreased aggression and fighting with other male dogs
However, your dog’s basic personality should remain the same. He might be a bit calmer and less driven by hormones, but he’ll still be the same lovable companion you know. Neutering does not make dogs depressed long term.
Why do dogs act sad after being neutered?
Post-neutering sadness usually stems from:
Anesthesia
General anesthesia is used to sedate your dog for surgery. It may take a day or two for the grogginess to wear off. Your dog may seem sleepy, less energetic or hungry, or “not quite himself” the first couple days.
Pain or discomfort
While neutering is not an especially invasive procedure, some minor pain is normal. Dogs usually receive pain medication after surgery to keep them comfortable. You may notice them moving slower, acting mellow, or not wanting to play while they heal.
Change in hormones
Testosterone and estrogen, the hormones removed by neutering, affect mood and behavior. Your dog may seem temporarily confused, anxious, or thrown off by the sudden hormonal shift. This upset usually resolves itself within a few weeks at most.
Change in routine
An overnight stay and surgery at the vet clinic upsets your dog’s normal routine. The disruption combined with the strange environment can leave them feeling uneasy. Take measures to re-establish their routine to restore their equanimity.
Signs your dog is depressed after neutering
While short term sadness is normal, true clinical depression is uncommon after neutering. Signs that may indicate real depression or other health issues include:
- Marked decrease in appetite beyond a couple days
- Refusal to eat for over 24 hours
- Significant weight loss
- Lack of interest in any toys or activities
- Holding tail tucked under or between legs
- Excessive pacing or restlessness
- Irritability when touched or picked up
- Trembling or shaking
- Reluctance to go on walks
If these signs persist beyond the first week after surgery, consult your vet. Prolonged depression can occur for various reasons, including:
- Reaction to anesthesia or pain medication
- Complications from surgery
- Underlying health issue
- Environmental stressors, changes, or losses
Your vet can help determine if medication, dietary changes, or other treatment is needed for lasting depression.
How to help a dog who is sad after neutering
Here are some tips for helping a dog who seems down after their neuter surgery:
Allow time for rest and recovery
Let your dog relax and take it easy for a few days. Recovery takes patience and canines need to take it slow. Provide soft places to sleep and give them space if desired.
Keep things calm and predictable
Try to maintain their normal routine as much as possible after coming home. Feed, walk, and play with them at their usual times to restore stability.
Use an Elizabethan collar if needed
To prevent chewing or licking the incision site, an e-collar may be sent home from the vet. Though awkward, it protects the surgical area during recovery.
Give prescribed pain medication
Follow your vet’s instructions for giving post-op pain pills, if provided. Controlling discomfort helps mood and healing.
Entice with tasty food
Appetite may be decreased at first. Try hand feeding small portions of chicken, cheese, or other high value treats to stimulate interest in food.
Spend quality time together
Snuggle, brush, or gently play with your dog to provide comfort and reassurance. Extra love while they heal can lift spirits.
Use pheromone and CBD products
Consult your vet about anti-anxiety pheromones or hemp products to ease the transition through neutering recovery.
Talk to the vet about persistent issues
If lethargy, appetite problems, or signs of depression last more than a few days, check in with your vet for advice. Underlying health issues may require further evaluation and care.
When to be concerned about a dog’s recovery
Neutering is a quick procedure with a relatively short recovery time. Most dogs are back to normal within 7-14 days. Call your vet if:
- Incision is red, oozing, or infected
- Persistent pain, swelling, or sensitivity in the surgery area
- Not interested in food for over 24 hours
- No bowel movements for over 24 hours after surgery
- Fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit
- Fatigue, vomiting, or diarrhea persist more than 24 hours
- Signs of depression last more than 3-4 days
While the after-effects of neutering are usually mild, only your vet can determine if complications are causing ongoing issues requiring medical care.
When can my dog resume normal activity?
Follow your vet’s specific instructions for when your dog can return to normal routines and activities after being neutered. Guidelines usually are:
- Days 1-2: Limit activity to leash walks for bathroom needs
- Days 3-7: Increase very short walks and limit playing
- Days 7-14: Slowly return to normal walking schedule and ALLOWED play
- After 14 days: Resume all regular exercise and activities
Avoid strenuous play, running, swimming, or hiking during the first two weeks. Jumping and wrestling with other pets should also wait until cleared by the vet. Close supervision is key to ensure proper healing after neuter surgery.
Conclusion
It’s normal for dogs to have some signs of sadness or depression immediately after neutering surgery. Allow your dog a few days to feel under the weather as they recover. Their activity levels and mood should improve within 7-14 days. Call your vet if concerning symptoms don’t resolve quickly. With your comfort and care, your dog’s down time after neutering will be brief before they are back to their old happy selves.