What is chemical castration in dogs?

Chemical castration is one way of preventing dogs from breeding without surgery. The procedure involves placing an implant under the skin that suppresses the release of sex hormones in males. The implant acts only on testosterone levels, and the active substance is released over a set period of time. The procedure has to be repeated to maintain the effect. If chemical castration is not renewed, behaviour driven by the sex drive will return, which means it can be used periodically, for example, without the need for surgery.

What are the advantages of chemical castration in dogs?

One of the main advantages of this type of castration is that the male’s gonads do not have to be permanently removed. The procedure is fully reversible, so if the animal is not given another implant, its fertility and sexual behaviour return to what they were before the first castration. The implant can also be used as a temporary solution.

What are the disadvantages of chemical castration?

First of all, it is a procedure that has to be repeated, and depending on the drug used, some time must pass before the product starts to work and block the release of testosterone. Bear in mind that each implant may come with possible side effects. The dog may react with digestive upsets such as diarrhoea and vomiting, or a general feeling of being unwell.

Which dogs is chemical castration recommended for?

This procedure is a good alternative for show dogs, which find themselves in a small space with many other dogs. A male may become distracted and focus on the bitches rather than on his owner.

Another group of dogs for which this type of castration is the better option are animals that are not suitable for surgery because of other health problems. In their case there is no anaesthetic risk, just a visit to the clinic. 

Stud dogs can also be given the implant during periods when no matings are planned. 

Is chemical castration effective in controlling aggressive behaviour in dogs?

If a dog shows aggressive behaviour, the first step is to consult a behaviourist to find out what is causing it. Our behaviourist at Zviropolis can help assess the dog’s behaviour and, with a full picture of the situation, advise on the best solution. When the problem is hormonal and linked to arousal from the scent of an unspayed bitch, chemical castration can prove a very good solution. Once the implant has had time to take effect, the animal will become noticeably calmer and stop paying so much attention to other dogs.