Benefits
- Females: prevents pyometra (a common, life-threatening womb infection in unspayed middle-aged dogs) and lowers the risk of mammary tumours; no more twice-yearly heats or false pregnancies.
- Males: prevents testicular tumours and prostate enlargement; less marking, mounting and roaming after females.
- Fewer accidental litters and abandoned puppies.
The best age
- Small and medium breeds: around 6 months.
- Large and giant breeds: we usually advise waiting until 12 to 18 months so bones and joints finish developing, because early neutering has been linked to joint problems in some large breeds.
- Adult dogs can be neutered at any age; blood tests before anaesthesia confirm it is safe.
Before the operation
- A pre-operative check is arranged when you book; dogs over seven or with a medical history are advised to have blood tests.
- No food for 8 to 12 hours before surgery; water is fine.
- No breakfast on the morning; bring any regular medication.
Surgery and anaesthesia
Spaying removes the ovaries and uterus; castration removes the testicles. Both are done under general anaesthesia with heart rate, oxygen, blood pressure and temperature monitored and intravenous fluids running. Most dogs go home the same day, are sleepy that evening and back to themselves the next day.
Aftercare
- Recovery collar on for 10 to 14 days, until the wound check or suture removal.
- No running, jumping, stairs or bathing; short leash walks for toileting only.
- Check the wound daily for redness, discharge or loose stitches.
- Give pain relief and any antibiotics on schedule.
- Energy needs fall after neutering: cut food by about 20% and weigh regularly.
Call 2126 7440 at once if the wound bleeds, your dog vomits more than once, is very lethargic, has not eaten for 24 hours, or the belly swells.
Cost
Priced by weight band and includes anaesthesia, monitoring, the operation and basic pain relief. You receive a written estimate when you book.