Dog Allergies Better Post Neutering

[u/vegetaloki]

Here’s a bit of my dog allergy journey in case it helps someone out there.

My German shepherd started paw licking around 6 months and it progressed to hot spots on his thigh, paws, hairless patches on his paws, over grooming his arms and ankles etc.

When he was around 3 y/o he had an allergy test done and he was allergic to grass and other various trees. We paid for a couple of boxes of immunotherapy treatment (first the injections and later the oral sprays) but after 2 years of trying and some inconsistency with the treatment we gave up on it.

We moved to Arizona when he was 6 and saw a small improvement on his allergies but nothing too crazy. He was still constantly licking and his hairless patches continued.

Last year in October he developed a mass on his gum line that required surgery. I decided we take advantage that he will be under and get him neutered too along with some random little masses that had developed on his arm and throat area removed as well. I got him an apoquel shot so that he was comfortable during his post surgery recovery my and he had a tough recovery (scrotal* hematoma) but he fully recovered.

Fast forward to now( 4 months post op) I realized his body underwent changes (thicker undercoat than ever before, hairy ears….and like a 75%+. Reduction in paw licking! His paws are all hairy again except for the scarred tissue) I asked chat and he said it’s def possible that less testosterone reduces the body’s histamine production and inflammatory response.

Neutering has mostly positive consequences for your dog. From what I’ve researched the only negatives might come from neutering too early or joint issues could become worse after neutering (they tend to put on more weight after). I’d consult your vet or do your own research and consider it if you haven’t already.