A golden retriever’s hilarious reaction to his neutering has left the internet in stitches.
A viral video posted to TikTok by his owner shows the dramatic aftermath of the pet surgery, with the dog, named Kobe, showing off the site of his procedure to anyone who will look. Since the video was posted, it has received over 100,000 views and several comments from people likening their own goldens’ behavior to the newly neutered pup, Kobe.
“When you have just been neutered. You show everyone your sore bits,” the creator, @shaunakydd, captioned the video, which shows Kobe lying on his back with his leg held high, displaying his post-op condition for the camera. He does it not just once, but twice in different clips.
The Internet Reacts
Viewers were quick to jump in with their own interpretations of the dog’s behavior.
“Our girl has always done this if you stroke her belly,” one person responded. “Bless him. He’s trying to make you feel guilty.”
Another user perfectly summed up the dog’s inner monologue: “He’s saying, ‘Look what you did to me, mom.’ My boy retriever is just as dramatic.”
The comedy didn’t stop there, with a third user imagining what was going through the dog’s mind: “He is just wondering, when do they grow back?”
The creator later shared a positive update on her dog’s recovery, writing: “Kobe was all back to normal within seven [to] 10 days. No more humping every female dog anymore.”
Understanding the Procedure
Kobe’s story, while funny, highlights a common question many owners of large dog breeds face: the decision to neuter and the optimal timing for the procedure.
While routine spaying and neutering are widely accepted for reducing pet overpopulation, a growing body of research is prompting experts to advise more personalized decisions.
According to a blog post from the American Kennel Club (AKC), neutering is a surgical procedure that removes a male dog’s testicles, which eliminates their ability to reproduce and may reduce male breeding behaviors. However, the AKC warned that there is no “one-size-fits-all” recommendation for the procedure. The decision should be made in consultation with a veterinarian and take into account the dog’s age, breed and health status.
For large and giant breeds like golden retrievers, it’s generally recommended to delay surgery until they are more mature, at least 12 months or older. This is because research from the University of California, Davis, found that early neutering in golden retrievers and other large breeds is associated with an increased risk of joint disorders.
While the procedure has many benefits, such as reducing unwanted behaviors like roaming and urine-marking and preventing certain diseases, it’s not without its risks. The AKC noted that neutering can increase the chance of some types of cancers and orthopedic disorders.
Ultimately, the decision to spay or neuter is a complex one, and the best choice for each dog’s health and well-being should be a thoughtful, informed discussion with a veterinarian.
Newsweek reached out to @shaunakydd for comment via TikTok.