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Is my 5-year-old dog too old to neuter? Will it help his behavior?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | unneutered | 5 years and 3 months old

Chance is 5 years old and he's not neutered. Is he to old to have it done or would it help his behavior at this point ?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 3rd, 2016

5 years is not too old to be neutered. Some behaviors are induced by hormones , and they can also turn into habits independent from hormonal activity, Will he stop roaming? Possibly, but maybe not. Will he become less aggressive: most likely. If you want to know whether neutering helps or changes his behavior, you can have the vet give him an injection that suppresses testosterone (chemical castration). If you are satisfied that this works, you should have him castrated. If it does not change his behavior then castration will only serve to avoid uncontrolled procreation.

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35Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 4th, 2020

    It won't necessarily calm Rebel down, but it can help with aggressive behaviors related to hormones. It would also keep him from wanting to roam to find females to mate, prevent him from getting testicular tumors, and prevent prostate problems. I highly recommend getting it done.

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