Dog Neutering

Neutering your dog can have a range of benefits, such as improvements in behaviour and it can potentially reduce health problems later in life. 

Spaying a Bitch 

Reasons to Spay:

• Reduction in behavioural issues such as aggression, dominance and straying
• Prevention of disease spread to offspring
• Prevention of unwanted pregnancies 
• Prevention of false pregnancies 
• Prevention of developing a Pyometra (life threatening uterine infection) in later life

Procedure:

The procedure can be done at any age once the bitch has reached sexual maturity, it should be carried out 3 months after a season and your pet must have seen the vet within the last 6 months. You can book in for a complimentary pre-op check with the vet, in this appointment the vet can discuss the procedure and give you a quote if you’ve not already been given one. 

Your pet will need to come in during morning surgery times, and will return home in the evening after a discharge appointment. The operation is completed under general anaesthetic, an incision is made in either the flank or belly and the ovaries and uterus are surgically removed. 

Post-surgery you will be asked to book in 3 days later for a post-op check, stitches are dissolving but you may need an appointment 10 days later for stitches to be removed if not fully dissolved. You will need to keep your pet quiet and restricted to lead exercise for 10-14 days to allow the wound to fully heal and avoid any tissue damage.            

Castrating a Dog

Reasons to Castrate:

• Reduction in behavioural issues such as aggression, dominance and straying
• Prevention of developing testicular tumours and prostate problems 
• Prevention of disease spread to offspring
• Prevention of unwanted litters 

Procedure:

The procedure can be done at any age once the dog has reached sexual maturity, this is around 6 months of age and your pet must have seen the vet within the last 6 months. You can book in for a complimentary pre-op check with the vet, in this appointment the vet will check to make sure the testicles have descended, discuss the procedure and give you a quote if you’ve not already been given one.

Your pet will need to come in during morning surgery times, and will return home in the evening after a discharge appointment. The operation is done under general anaesthetic, a small incision is made in the scrotum and the testes are removed.    

Post-surgery you will be asked to book in 3 days later for a post-op check. You will need to keep your pet quiet and restricted to lead exercise for 10-14 days to allow the wound to fully heal and avoid any tissue damage.

Do Neutered Dogs Have Different Needs?

The only thing to consider post neutering is that your pet’s tendency to put on weight will be increased, to avoid changes in weight you should adjust the amount of food given at meal times or change to a neutered dog diet. If this is something you would like to know more about, please ask one of our nurses or vets.