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My puppy's testicles haven't dropped. Should I worry or wait for neuter?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 4 months and 24 days old | 28 lbs

Hello! I believe my puppy has retained testicles, see images below. He is a 5 month old Golden/Beagle mix. I'd like to know if you think I need to get him to the vet ASAP, or if routine neutering at 6 months is okay. Thanks!

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on May 26th, 2017

Hi there! From the photos, it's a bit hard to tell if the testicles are there or not - usually, it's easiest to tell by gently palpating the scrotum when the puppy is standing up. The good news is, even if his testicles haven't dropped, this is not an emergency at all. Routine neutering at six months will still be just fine - the only difference is that the surgery may be a bit more invasive, if the vet has to look in his abdomen for the testicles rather than the scrotum. But, this is still a fairly common procedure that should not cause him any problems.

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    From the pictures it seems that you are correct, the testicles are either in the inguinal canal or in the abdominal cavity, it's not an emergency, you can wait until he is 6 months. bear in mind the surgical procedure is a little more complicated and slightly more expensive as well.

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