How is neutering surgery performed on a male dog?

Neutering a male dog involves removing both testicles. A few dogs have cryptorchidism, where one or both testicles are hidden in the abdomen, groin, or in front of the scrotum, requiring abdominal surgery to remove them. Cryptorchidism is hereditary and carries a cancer risk, so removal is important.

Before surgery the dog must fast and withhold water for 6 to 8 hours; under good health, general anesthesia is used. The procedure usually takes only about 10 minutes, recovery is quick, and the incision typically heals completely within 7 to 10 days.