Surgical castration, sometimes called sterilization, removal of reproductive organs is a common surgical procedure that permanently prevents dogs from reproducing. In male dogs, this is known as castration and involves removing the testicles. In female dogs,  the ovaries and usually the uterus are removed, a procedure known as spaying. Both procedures require general anesthesia and post-operative care until the veterinarian determines the dog has fully recovered.

Surgical castration generally costs between 100,000 and over 400,000 Chilean pesos, depending on your dog’s breed, size, and sex.

The cost may vary because:

• Spaying a female is more complex and involves internal organ surgery, making it more expensive than neutering a male.
• Some surgeries are more difficult, such as neutering a male with cryptorchidism (undescended testicle).
• Larger dogs require more anesthesia, and their surgeries take longer due to their size.

While it is not entirely free, some municipalities offer low-cost castration programs as part of their canine population control plans (PTRAC). Additionally, some veterinary charities, NGOs, and rescue organizations may offer free or low-cost sterilization for pet owners.

Although surgical castration is a common procedure, it is still a surgery, and like any surgery, complications are possible. However, the risks are generally low.

During the operation, your dog will be under anesthesia and will receive constant monitoring from the veterinary team to ensure safety. It is crucial that the procedure is performed under general anesthesia with proper pain relief before and after surgery. If you have any concerns, speak with your veterinarian, who can explain the risks and benefits of castration, as well as present the biological, reversible, and equal alternative available today.

The ideal age for surgical castration depends on your dog’s breed, size, and sex. There is ongoing debate about the “best” age, but your veterinarian can guide you based on the latest research and biotechnology.

Most dogs are neutered between six months and two years old. If you want to completely prevent unwanted pregnancies, you can sterilize your dog before reaching sexual maturity. Smaller dogs tend to reach maturity earlier than larger breeds. In some cases, veterinarians may recommend waiting since early castration has been linked to certain health risks in some breeds.

Some veterinarians prefer to spay females before their first heat cycle to reduce the risk of mammary tumors  reproductive infections and unwanted pregnancies. Others recommend waiting until after the first heat cycle to allow hormonal development, which may help prevent certain long-term health issues.

So, what is the best option?

According to the British Veterinary Association, “there is currently not enough scientific evidence to take a definitive stance on early castration in dogs.” This means that there is no clear-cut answer as to which method is best.

It is essential to weigh the pros and cons of each approach before making a decision about sterilization. Consulting with your veterinarian will help you choose the most suitable option for your pet’s health and well-being.

There are no known health benefits to allowing a female dog to have a litter before being spayed. Pregnancy and birth can involve complications, and caring for puppies is expensive, time-consuming, and demanding. Breeding should be done responsibly and only after careful consideration

It is essential to weigh the benefits and risks, as well as consult your veterinarian about any concerns. Many pet owners choose surgical castration to prevent pregnancy, control unwanted behaviors, and reduce health risks. However, these benefits should be balanced with potential concerns, such as weight gain, urinary incontinence, coat changes, and breed-specific risks.

Always involve your veterinarian in these discussions, they can provide up-to-date research and information on advanced technologies to minimize risks and maximize benefits. Additionally, consider your dog’s psychological well-being, as anxiety and behavioral changes can also be factors in your decision.

Surgical castration offers the following benefits:

Prevents unwanted pregnancies
Reduces certain unwanted behaviors
Lowers the risk of some cancers
Minimizes infections and diseases (including reproductive infections

Prevents the spread of hereditary diseases

Considerations Before Choosing Surgical Castration

Although surgical castration has many benefits, it may not be suitable for every dog. Here are some important considerations:

• Castration is permanent
• Possible weight gain
• Potential links to other health issues (e.g., anxiety)
• Urinary incontinence risk
• Coat changes