• Canine surgical sterilization is called neutering when it refers to a male puppy. Neutering your dog means he will no longer be able to breed with other dogs. There are many benefits of neuter surgery, including the reduction of the population of unwanted dogs and a reduction of the chances of disease of the reproductive organs later in life. While many organizations and individuals tout the benefits of this necessary surgery, few people discuss the risks associated with neutering a young puppy.
  
  

Death

• Neutering is considered a routine surgery, one that is performed many times each year. Despite the frequency of this surgery, it is a major surgery and with any major surgery, the risk of death is present. Veterinarians pre-screen dogs for health issues and fitness for surgery, but even so, accidents happen. While the chance of death is rare, it is a risk associated with canine surgical sterilization.
  
  

Infection

• Any time the skin is opened, there is a chance of microorganisms entering the body. During surgery, your dog's internal systems are exposed. Veterinary staff take an exceptional amount of care in maintaining an aseptic, or microorganism-free, environment during surgery. The risk of infection during surgery is possible, but minimal. The risk of infection after surgery is slightly higher, but still minimal. Keeping your dog indoors and monitoring his sutures works towards the prevention of this risk.
  
  

Hypothermia

• Surgical sterilization requires the use of general anesthesia. This means your dog is fully unconscious and unable to feel pain during the procedure. Veterinary technicians monitor your dog during surgery to ensure that the anesthesia is not causing complications. Because anesthesia decreases the rate of bodily functions, there is a slight risk that your puppy may experience a decreased body temperature or hypothermia during or after a neutering procedure. This risk is elevated in puppies who are extremely young, ill or otherwise immune-compromised.
  
  

Allergic Reaction

• Some dogs are more sensitive than others. Just like humans, dogs can have allergic reactions to foreign substances. Your dog is in contact with a variety of foreign substances during a neuter surgery. The potential for an allergic reaction is slightly higher than the other risks involved with the neuter surgery, but this problem still affects only a small portion of dogs who are surgically sterilized. Potential allergens involved with neuter surgery include pre-anesthetic drugs, the anesthesia itself, the material used to suture the surgical wound and pain medication administered after surgery.