How to tell if a dog is spayed or neutered? - briefly
To determine if a dog has been spayed or neutered, look for a small scar on their abdomen or near the base of the tail. Additionally, males will have no testicles visible beneath the tail.
How to tell if a dog is spayed or neutered? - in detail
To determine whether a dog has been spayed or neutered, there are several visual indicators and behaviors that can help you ascertain this information.
Firstly, examine the dog's genital area. In female dogs, if they have been spayed, their vulva will appear smaller than usual due to the removal of the ovaries and uterus. The incision site for a spay procedure is typically located on the dog's abdomen, just below the ribcage. Look for a small scar or stitches in this area. If the dog has been spayed recently, you may also notice some swelling or redness around the incision site.
In male dogs, neutering involves the removal of the testicles. After this procedure, there will be no visible testicles on the dog's body. Instead, you may see two small incisions where the testicles were removed. These incisions are usually located in the dog's scrotum and should heal within a few weeks after the surgery.
Another way to determine if a dog has been spayed or neutered is by observing their behavior. Spayed female dogs will not go into heat, so you won't see any signs of estrus such as vaginal discharge or increased interest from male dogs. Neutered male dogs may exhibit less aggressive behaviors and are less likely to mark their territory with urine. Additionally, neutered males typically have a calmer demeanor and are more focused on their owners rather than being distracted by female dogs in heat.
If you're still unsure whether the dog has been spayed or neutered, consult with a veterinarian. They can provide a definitive answer based on the dog's medical history and perform an examination if necessary.