Introduction
It was a shock when Max, a normally energetic 1 year old Labrador Retriever, refused to walk more than a few steps after returning home from his neutering procedure. He stood motionless, head down, tail unmoving. Was this normal behavior after the surgery? What could be causing Max to act this way, and what can be done to encourage him to walk normally again?
After neutering surgery, many male dogs exhibit reluctance or refusal to walk, stand, run, jump, or engage in other normal physical activity. The surgery involves anesthesia and surgical intervention in a highly sensitive part of a dog’s anatomy. As a result, post-operative discomfort, pain, and disorientation are common. While some lack of mobility is to be expected immediately after the procedure, an extended refusal to walk may indicate additional complications.
This article will examine the reasons dogs may refuse to walk after being neutered, along with tips on recovery care, determining when to call the vet, potential long-term behavior changes, the benefits of neutering, how to make the decision, and caring for an older neutered dog.
Why Dogs May Refuse to Walk After Neutering
There are a few common reasons why dogs may be reluctant or refuse to walk after being neutered:
Physical pain or discomfort from the surgery itself is a major factor. Neutering requires an incision in a very sensitive part of a dog’s body. This can cause pain, swelling, and general soreness in the surgery site and surrounding areas that make normal movements like walking uncomfortable. Dogs may refuse to walk or only take a few steps before sitting or lying back down to avoid rubbing or irritating the incision site [1].
Soreness around the incision site is also common after neutering. The area around the incision is swollen and tender following surgery. Pressure from walking can rub against the incision, especially if there are any stitches present. This causes localized pain that makes dogs hesitant to walk until the incision fully heals [2].
Side effects from anesthesia wearing off can also lead to walking problems. Anesthesia causes weakness, grogginess, nausea, and dizziness – all of which can make walking normally challenging. Until the anesthesia is fully out of their system, some dogs may stumble, seem off-balance, or be unwilling to walk far distances.
Tips to Encourage Your Dog to Walk After Neutering
Going on short, slow walks can help encourage your dog to walk again after being neutered. Start with just going around your yard or down your street rather than a long walk. Let your dog set the pace and take breaks whenever they need.
Using a partially retractable leash allows your dog some freedom to explore while still maintaining control. Give them extra slack in the leash and let them lead to rebuild their confidence. Distracting them with toys or treats can also motivate movement.
Don’t force your dog to walk if they seem uncomfortable. Be prepared to pick them up and carry them home if needed. Recovery takes time and every dog responds differently. Stay positive and keep sessions short and rewarding.
As recommended by this article, wait at least 10 days before longer walks. Consult your vet if your dog refuses to walk after 2 weeks or exhibits signs of pain or distress while walking. With patience, your dog should return to normal in 4-6 weeks.
Providing Proper Recovery Care
It is essential to provide proper care for your dog during the recovery period after neutering to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. The recovery period usually lasts around 7-10 days. During this time it is important to limit your dog’s activity to prevent the incision site from reopening. Your dog should be kept calm and prevented from running, jumping, or playing. Only take your dog for short leash walks to relieve themselves during the first week after surgery.
You must also prevent your dog from licking or chewing at the incision site as this can disturb healing and increase risk of infection. Your vet may provide an Elizabethan collar to prevent licking. You can also use bitter apple spray on the area to deter licking. Monitor the incision site daily for signs of redness, swelling or discharge which could indicate infection.
Be sure to give your dog any pain medication as directed by your vet to keep them comfortable. You may need to administer medication for several days after the surgery. Your vet can advise you on the type of medication and proper dosage based on your dog’s size and procedure. Monitoring for side effects of the medication is also important.
With proper rest, confinement, medication, and incision care you can help your dog recover safely and comfortably after their neuter surgery. Allow the full recovery period as advised by your vet before returning to normal activity levels. If you have any concerns about healing or complications, contact your vet right away.
Source: https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/create-your-home-kit-neuter-and-spay-recovery-dogs
When to Call the Vet
In most cases, a dog will recover well from neutering surgery, but you should watch for signs of complications or problems. In particular, if your dog seems unwilling or unable to walk normally more than a couple days after surgery, that’s a cause for concern. Significant limping or lack of movement can indicate issues like excessive pain, swelling, infection, or joint problems.
According to the Animal Humane Society, you should call your vet if there is “Significant swelling at the surgical incision; Colored discharge from the incision; Pale gums; Depressed or unresponsive behavior.” [1] These are common signs that something is not healing properly or your dog may have an infection.
Additionally, the Sonoma County Animal Services recommends contacting your vet if you notice “Loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy.” [2] Your dog should be recovering their normal appetite and energy levels within a few days after surgery. If not, a vet visit is warranted.
While reluctance to walk often resolves on its own, alert your vet promptly if it lasts more than 2-3 days. Never delay contacting the vet if you have concerns about your dog’s pain, mobility, or recovery.
Long-Term Behavior Changes
Neutering can lead to some long-term changes in a dog’s behavior. After the surgery and recovery, most dogs become less likely to roam or mark their territory. According to the VCA Animal Hospital, neutering results in a reduction of urine marking in approximately 50% of dogs who exhibited marking behaviors prior to the surgery (source). With lower testosterone levels post-neutering, male dogs are less compelled to patrol for females and mark their territory.
In addition, a dog’s energy levels often decrease after neutering. The hormones related to sexual behavior are no longer influencing the dog’s activity levels. This calming effect is more noticeable in some dogs than others. According to PetMD, both male and female dogs tend to wander less after being neutered, likely due to decreased energy (source).
Neutering also tends to decrease aggression and mounting behaviors over time. The ASPCA notes that neutering reduces the risk of prostate disease and some types of cancers. With health benefits and less hormonal influences, neutered dogs often exhibit less aggressive and mounting behaviors (source). However, it may take weeks or months to see the full effects on long-term behavior.
The Benefits of Neutering
There are many benefits to neutering your dog. One of the most significant is population control. Unaltered dogs are free to mate and reproduce, contributing to overpopulation and increasing shelter intakes. According to the ASPCA, in the United States, 3.3 million dogs enter animal shelters every year and approximately 670,000 dogs are euthanized. Neutering your dog helps reduce these numbers and lowers euthanasia rates (source).
There are also several health benefits associated with neutering. Neutered male dogs have a significantly reduced risk of developing prostate problems and testicular cancer later in life. Spayed female dogs are less likely to develop mammary tumors or experience pyometra, a potentially fatal uterine infection (source). Overall, neutered dogs live longer than intact dogs.
In terms of behavior, neutering reduces roaming tendencies and the urge to mate, which means dogs are less likely to get lost, injured in fights, or hit by cars. Marking behaviors and inter-male aggression are also diminished. Neutered dogs tend to be calmer, better focused, and more attentive to their owners.
Making the Neutering Decision
The ideal age to neuter/spay your dog is between 6-9 months for most breeds. While some veterinarians may recommend doing so at a younger age, research has shown that there are health benefits to waiting until your dog has fully matured. According to the AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines, small-breed dogs (under 45 pounds projected adult body weight) should be neutered at six months of age at the earliest, and large-breed dogs (70 pounds or more) at no earlier than 12 to 15 months of age (https://www.aaha.org/your-pet/pet-owner-education/ask-aaha/spay-or-neuter/).
It’s important to discuss the pros and cons of neutering with your veterinarian. Consider your dog’s health, age, and breed disposition. While neutering provides health benefits like reducing certain cancers and infections, it can also increase risks of joint disorders and some cancers if done too early. Your vet can help determine the ideal time for your individual dog.
Caring for an Older Neutered Dog
As dogs age, their metabolism and activity levels often decrease. After being neutered, it’s important to monitor an older dog’s weight and adjust their diet and exercise routine as needed. According to an article on Chewy, “Older dogs may become less active after surgery,” so their calorie needs are likely reduced (https://be.chewy.com/all-about-spay-and-neuter-in-senior-dogs/). Keeping your dog at a healthy weight will support their recovery and long-term health.
Neutering surgery also poses higher anesthesia risks for older dogs. An article from Springhouse Animal Hospital recommends having pre-operative bloodwork done to identify any issues ahead of time (https://www.springhouseanimalhospital.com/site/blog/2022/06/15/how-old-is-too-old-to-spay-or-neuter-my-dog). Your vet can take precautions to minimize risks based on your dog’s health profile. Recovery may take a little longer as well, so be prepared to allow extra rest and confinement during the post-op period.
With proper preparation and aftercare, most older dogs recover well from neutering. The long-term benefits, like reducing prostate issues in males and preventing mammary tumors in females, often outweigh the risks (https://www.theveterinarynurse.com/review/article/an-update-on-the-risks-and-benefits-of-neutering-in-dogs). Discuss your dog’s individual circumstances with your vet to make the best decision for their health and quality of life.
Conclusion
Neutering is an important procedure that provides benefits for both dogs and their owners, but recovery and aftercare are key to avoiding complications. As we have covered, some behavioral changes like refusing to walk are normal in the days after neutering as your dog adjusts. With proper rest, restriction of activity, medication as needed, and TLC during recovery, most dogs should return to normal within a couple weeks.
It’s important not to force your dog to be active before they are ready. Give them space to heal while also encouraging gentle walks and engagement once the vet clears it. Track any concerning symptoms and seek veterinary advice when needed. With a little patience and the right care, your neutered dog will be back to their old energetic, happy self.
When done correctly and with aftercare in mind, neutering remains one of the most beneficial procedures owners can provide for their dogs’ health and behavior over the long term. The temporary refusal to walk will give way to years of benefits for you both to enjoy.