Having your dog neutered is a personal choice. Many owners find it helpful to know what happens during the procedure and any pros & cons, before deciding. Our Cambridge veterinary team are here to answer your questions.
Dog neutering is usually carried out at around six to eight months of age. Certain breeds can benefit from being neutered slightly later, and we may also recommend delaying neutering for particularly nervous dogs, so it is always best to ask our team for advice on when is the best time to neuter your dog. Before your puppy reaches their 6-month birthday, you are welcome to book an appointment with one of our vets for advice.
The dog neutering procedure
Dog neutering involves removing reproductive organs, or ‘de-sexing’. A male’s testicles are removed, and females have their ovaries (and sometimes other parts) removed. Our team will advise you on what to do before your dog’s neutering procedure (last food & drink times), and how to care for them at home afterwards.
On the day, your dog will be admitted in the morning, and they will be examined by one of our vets prior to the procedure. Careful monitoring is carried out before, during and after. Pets usually go home on the same day with pain relief and have a post-op check a few days later.
Pros and cons of dog neutering:
Male dog neutering (castration)
- Reduces wandering and therefore the chances of being involved in a road accident.
- Can help with some behavioural issues such as sexual aggression and territory marking.
- Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and prostate disease.
Female dog neutering (spaying)
- Stops your dog from coming into season.
- Prevents phantom pregnancies, which can be distressing for your dog.
- Prevents unwanted pregnancies.
- Eliminates the possibility of life-threatening pyometra (uterine infection).
- Reduces the risk of mammary tumours.
Disadvantages of dog neutering
- As with all operations there is some (very low) risk attached.
- Weight gain can be an issue, as neutering can lower the metabolic rate. This can be balanced with less or lower-calorie food, more exercise and regular weight checks after neutering.
- Urinary incontinence in neutered female dogs can occasionally be a problem later in life. (There is medication to help control this.)
What if I want to breed from my dog?
Patrick advises that breeding dogs should always be well thought out, with the health & wellbeing of the parents and offspring being the top priority. Some pregnancies are straightforward, whereas others can have complications. Certain breeds (typically small) can struggle with carrying puppies and may require a caesarean section to safely deliver their puppies. Male dogs can have more behavioural issues if used as studs.
In older dogs, neutering itself may not change some developed behaviours. It can, however, still provide many health benefits.
Our team will be happy to answer your questions about dog neutering, just contact us for advice.