If you have a dog, sooner or later the subject of dog neutering or spaying is going to come up. If you have no plans to breed your dog, there are many advantages to neutering or spaying your dog.
Whether you’ve had a dog before or this is your first time, you’ll likely have a lot of questions about dog neutering and spaying. Find out everything you need to know about dog neutering and spaying so you can provide the best care for your pet.
About dog neutering and dog spaying
Dog neutering and dog spaying are surgical procedures that will stop dogs from being able to reproduce.
Neutering
Otherwise known as castration: this is performed on male dogs. The procedure involves the removal of the testicles, therefore limiting the production of testosterone.
Spaying
This is performed on female dogs. The procedure involves the removal of the ovaries and uterus to stop a female dog becoming pregnant.
Both procedures are carried out under general anaesthetic, and your pet will usually go home on the same day. There is some aftercare involved to make sure they heal with no complications or infections, but most dogs will be back to themselves after a couple of days. After around ten days, your dog will normally be fully healed and signed off by the vet with no further visits will be required.
What’s the best age to neuter a dog?
The best age to neuter a male dog varies depending on their size and breed. Most vets recommend neutering around the six-month mark to curb some learned behaviours that can happen as a result of testosterone, such as marking. For female dogs, some vets will recommend that spaying takes place after their first season.
Your vet will be able to recommend a plan for neutering/spaying your dog and provide you with the best advice on timeframes.
Benefits of neutering/spaying your dog
While the thought of surgery for your pet can be daunting, there are a lot of benefits to having your dog neutered or spayed, including:
- You can help prevent the chance of developing some diseases such as testicular cancer in male dogs and ovarian and breast tumours in females. It also removes the risk of potentially fatal womb infections in female dogs.
- Dogs left unneutered have a tendency to roam as they search for females to mate with. By having them neutered, you can stop this behaviour, and stop them from having accidents.
- With an unspayed female, there is always the risk of an unwanted pregnancy. Pregnancy in dogs has financial implications, with a lot of care needed for the mother and her litter. If you don’t intend to breed, this is the best way to prevent an unwanted litter.
- A phantom pregnancy is a problem in female dogs that can change their behaviour and could lead to medical complications. Spaying can remove this risk to keep your dog happy and healthy.
As a routine procedure, neutering and spaying operations are carried out daily by vets across the UK. It is a low-risk procedure that can reduce or remove the risk of many diseases and conditions, helping your pet enjoy a healthy life.
What is the cost of dog neutering/spaying?
Dog neutering costs can vary depending on your vet, as well as the kind of aftercare you choose. The size of your dog can also affect the cost of the operation. Neutering your dog could cost anywhere between £110 to £300, while a spaying operation costs anywhere between £130 and £365. In addition to the cost of the operation and subsequent medication, you will also need to pay for a cone, or a bodysuit designed to keep your dog from licking their stitches and possibly causing an infection.
Will neutering/spaying affect my dog’s personality?
Many owners are concerned that neutering or spaying will affect your dog’s personality. Their personality will not change, but there are some behaviours that are generally caused by hormones that should come to an end. Aggression, being territorial, marking and humping are all behaviours that can be reduced through neutering.
With the right advice and guidance from your vet, spaying or neutering your dog will be a decision you won’t regret. Learn about some of the other ways you can keep your dog fit and healthy to help give your dog a happy and long life.
Click here to view our other articles