In male dogs, both testes are removed; this is known as ‘castration’. In female dogs, either the uterus is removed or both the uterus and the ovaries; this is known as ‘spaying’.
What are the benefits?
Spaying a female dog eliminates the ability to reproduce, and your dog will no longer come into season. This prevents unwanted puppies and may reduce unwanted attention from male dogs.
There are also health benefits including prevention of ovarian and other cancers of the reproductive tract, a reduction in the risk breast cancers, and prevention of uterine infection (pyometra).
Castrating a male dog prevents them from fathering puppies and will reduce hormone driven behaviours such as aggression, territorial behaviours and roaming. However, neutering cannot change learnt behaviours, and if you have concerns about your dog’s behaviour, it is always best to speak to a professional before neutering.
Castration also has health benefits including prevention of testicular cancers and reduction in the risk of prostate issues.
At what age are dogs neutered?
Neutering is usually carried out once a dog has finished growing, but exact timing is strongly influenced by factors such as your dog’s breed, size, behaviour and other risk factors. We would always recommend discussing your dog’s personal situation to provide the best recommendation for your dog based on the latest evidence.
Male dogs can be neutered at any appropriate time, but female dogs must be neutered either preseason if appropriate, or three months after their last season.
Should I let my dog have one litter before spaying her?
This happens to be a common question, and there are no known health benefits to letting your dog have a litter; this is also the same for cats and rabbits.
General anaesthesia
Your pet requires a general anaesthetic for neutering; here at Chapel House, we have excellent measures in place to ensure their safety during the procedure. A dedicated Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) will monitor your pet throughout their surgery and recovery. All anaesthesia comes with some form of risk but for neutering these are usually low, as pets are often young, fit, and healthy when having this procedure.
Risk levels of anaesthesia increase with a pet’s age, weight, certain breeds, and if your pet has any underlying health conditions. At your preoperative check the nurse may recommend additional safety measures depending on your pet’s specific circumstances. These may include a preoperative blood test, intra operative fluids, or additional medications to reduce risk and increase your pet’s comfort.
Your pet will stay the day with us
At the time of booking you will receive a pre-op advice sheet, please ensure that you read this thoroughly and get in touch with any questions or concerns.
On the day of the procedure, your dog will be admitted as a ‘day patient’, and a nurse will go through a comprehensive consent form with you – please allow at least 15 minutes for this appointment.
They will be discharged later that day once our team are happy that they have recovered fully from their anaesthetic and are comfortable.
Find your local Chapel House Vets
During your pet’s discharge appointment, the team will go through everything you need to know about caring for your pet after their surgery and their pain relief medication. We are always at the end of the telephone for you and your pet, so please contact us if you have any further questions once you have your pet settled back at home on 01246 222232 (Hady Hill) or 01246 477581 (Staveley).
Pet Health for Life Plan Offer
Chapel House Pet Health for Life plan members can claim a 10% discount on neutering procedures. Our health club offers preventative health, and you could be saving each year on what you spend on your pet treatment.
