Will Neutering a Dog Make Him Pee Less?

Neutering your dog not only helps prevent unwanted puppies and potential health-related issues including prostate problems and testicular cancer, it also usually puts a halt to unwanted behaviors such as roaming, mounting, some types of aggression, and frequent urine-marking of territory. Yep, that's right. Neutering your dog will make him pee less often.

A fully intact adult male dog is full of the testosterone hormone, which compels him to mark his territory -- inside or out -- by peeing. Though his overall urinary output will not differ whether he's fixed or not, neutering your dog will reduce his testosterone levels and make him less interested in urinating in a bunch of places to advertise his presence. Your dog's behavior will mellow as his testosterone levels decrease, as well: He will be less likely to mount female or male dogs, may demonstrate less aggression in the presence of other intact dogs, and will be more relaxed when playing with male and female dogs.

Male dogs who remain sexually intact are likely to develop prostate trouble later in life. An enlarged or infected prostate can make urination difficult and lead to accidental leakage between daily walks. Neutering your dog will help ensure a healthier prostate as he grows and may prevent urinary accidents indoors.

Healthy puppies can be neutered as early as 8 weeks of age, though some veterinarians suggest waiting until at least 5 months of age before neutering a pet to prevent possible hip dysplasia or cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture. Puppies neutered prior to 5 months of age may also be more susceptible to obesity later in life, though this condition you can control with proper diet and adequate exercise. Though urinary incontinence can sometimes be attributed to spaying in female dogs, neutering a male puppy will not cause him to become incontinent.

Not all causes of excessive urination are attributable to hormones -- neutering your dog, therefore, might not have an effect on frequent urination caused by medical problems. Anatomical abnormalities in the bladder, ureter or sphincter can cause your dog to pee excessively, as can damage to your dog's bladder, nerves or spinal cord. Polyuria is an increase in the production of urine caused by kidney, liver or endocrine disease. The condition is indicated by frequent urination, excessive thirst, weight loss and a decreased appetite. Some medications can cause excessive urination, as well. Speak to your veterinarian about performing a diagnostic urinalysis if your dog exhibits unusual peeing or other symptoms of illness.