Chemical castration of male dogs: Owner-reported effects on behavior and health, reasons for chemical castration, and similarities with subsequent surgical castration

Male dogs are often castrated to correct unwanted behavior. As behavioral effects vary and there are few health benefits, reversible chemical castration (CC) may be used prior to surgical castration (SC), to ensure desired effects thereof. We aimed to gain insight on when and why CC is used and how dog owners report on its effects. We used Chi-square tests to analyze online survey data of a convenience sample of 404 dog owners, most of which were (applied) university educated women. The most common reason for CC was testing the influence of SC on behavior. Similar numbers of owners subsequently left their dog intact or opted for SC. The most common reason for leaving intact was negative behavioral effects of CC. Owner-reported effects of CC and SC were completely or largely the same in 81.7% of the cases. Our findings might aid clinical practitioners, and prompt dog owners to opt for CC when they consider castration, to assure themselves that future SC will have the desired effects. • The main reason for chemical castration (CC) was testing its behavioral influence. • After CC, similar numbers of dogs were left intact as were surgically castrated (SC). • Combined veterinary and behavioral advice most often led to positive behavioral effects. • Reported effects of CC and SC were at least largely the same in 81.7% of the dogs.