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Neutering

Neutering advice for dogs, cats and rabbits

Neutering involves:

  • spaying a female pet (removal of the ovaries)
  • castration of a male pet (removal of both testicles)

This removes the source of the sex hormones and is recommended for many reasons in small animals. Read below about getting your dog, cat or rabbit neutered. 

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Why should I spay my dog?

  • It prevents the female coming into season, so males will not be attracted to her
  • The risk of mammary gland tumours, ovarian and/or uterine cancer is reduced or eliminated, especially if done before the first season
  • It also eliminates the risk of pyometra, which can be a life-threatening infection of the womb and is common in older female dogs that haven’t been spayed
  • It prevents unwanted pregnancies

When should I spay my dog?

Bitches are recommended to be neutered prior to their first season (so around 6 months old) or at least 4 months post-season.

Why should I castrate my dog?

  • Reduction of unwanted masculine behaviour
  • Reduction in the number of unwanted litters
  • Undescended testicles have an increased risk of becoming cancerous so it is highly recommended to locate and remove the un-descended testicle at an early age

When should I castrate my dog?

Anytime from 6 months onwards, unless your vet states otherwise. Please note that castration is unlikely to be beneficial for dogs with unruly, overexcitable adolescent behaviour. Always seek veterinary advice before deciding to castrate your dog.

How long will it take my dog to recover?

Neutering procedures are carried out Monday - Friday. Recovery at home from the anaesthetic normally only takes a day or so but the wound can take up to around 10 days to fully heal. Restricted exercise during this time is recommended. The necessary follow-up checks and pain relief are included.

Feel free to book in to speak to a nurse or vet to discuss neutering and to answer any questions you may have.

Why should I spay my cat?

  • Prevents the female coming into season, so males will not be attracted to her
  • Cats are less likely to roam
  • The risk of mammary gland tumours, ovarian and/or uterine cancer is reduced or eliminated, especially if done before the first season
  • Prevents unwanted pregnancies

When should I spay my cat?

Female cats can be neutered from 5 months, ideally not when in season and before they have access to the outdoors.

Why should I castrate my cat?

  • Reduction of unwanted sexual behaviour (such as spraying and the desire to roam)
  • For cats, the risk of testicular cancer in castrated animals is eliminated and the risk of prostate disease is reduced
  • Reduction in the number of unwanted litters
  • It can decrease aggressive behaviour, depending on the cause
  • Undescended testicles have an increased risk of becoming cancerous so it is highly recommended to locate and remove the undescended testicle at an early age

When should I castrate my cat?

We recommend from 5 months and older. We advise that cats should be castrated before being let outside.

How long will it take my cat to recover?

Neutering procedures are carried out between Monday - Friday. Recovery at home from the anaesthetic normally only takes a day or so but the wound can take up to around 10 days to fully heal. Restricted exercise during this time is recommended. The necessary follow-up checks and pain relief are included.

Feel free to book in to speak to a nurse or vet to discuss neutering and to answer any questions you may have.

Why should I neuter my rabbit?

  • Eliminates the risk of uterine tumours in females, increasing life expectancy
  • Prevents unwanted litters in multi-rabbit households
  • Reduces aggression in both males and females and enables pair bonding as the animals will be calmer and more relaxed

When can I neuter my rabbit?

Rabbits can be castrated or spayed from around 4 months' old, depending on the individual size.

How long for recovery?

Neutering procedures are carried out between Monday - Friday. Recovery at home from the anaesthetic normally only takes a day or so but the wound can take up to around 10 days to fully heal. Restricted exercise during this time is recommended. The necessary follow-up checks and pain relief are included.

Feel free to book in to speak to a nurse or vet to discuss neutering and to answer any questions you may have.