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In male dog neutering, both testes are removed; this is known as ‘castration’. In female dog neutering, either the uterus is removed or both the uterus and the ovaries; this is known as ‘spaying’.

Spaying a female dog eliminates the ability to reproduce, and your dog will no longer come into season. Females can be neutered from six months of age; for most breeds, we suggest spaying females before they have had a season, known as pre-season. If your dog is older than six months or has already started having seasons, we would need to wait three months after a season to ensure we are operating at the best possible time.

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Neutering your dog Dog Neutering or Spaying:

  • Prevents unwanted pregnancies and womb infections

  • Can help prevent tumours and breast cancer

  • Can also help prevent testicular cancer and prostate disease

  • Assists in preventing roaming and aggressive behaviour

  • It’s normal to neuter! 71% of owned dogs in the UK are neutered*

*PSDA Paws report 2020

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At what age are dogs neutered or spayed?

Dog neutering is usually carried out at around six months of age for males and pre-season for female dogs, reducing the likelihood of females developing mammary cancer. We would also consider your dog’s breed, size, overall behaviour and other risk factors to provide the most suitable recommendation for your dog based on the latest evidence.

Male dogs older than six months can be neutered at any stage; however, we would still consider the dog’s breed, size, overall behaviour and other risk factors upon discussion of the procedure.

If your dog is not spayed before her first season, we would wait three months after the 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

A general anaesthetic is required for dog neutering; here at Gower Vets we have 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; however, these are very low, especially neutering, as pets are often young, fit, and healthy when having this procedure.

Risk levels of anaesthesia increase with a pet’s age, certain breeds and if your pet has any underlying health conditions. We can perform a pre-anaesthetic blood test before your pet’s surgery, to detect any underlying illnesses; this can be discussed when booking in for the procedure and on the day of their surgery. Your pet will receive a premedication to relax them and will also receive two types of pain relief.  Rest assured the Gower Vets team will be with your pet every step of the way.

Your pet will stay the day with us

On the day of the procedure, please bring your dog on a secure harness or lead; during the admission appointment, we will discuss the procedure and go through the consent form. Please note we must gain a signature from the registered owner (over 18) or authorised agent on the consent form. Your dog, cat or rabbit will be admitted as a ‘day patient’, and they will be discharged later that day once our team are happy with how your pet has recovered.

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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 on 01792 299111 if you have any further questions once you have your pet settled back at home.

Pet Health for Life Plan

Gower's Pet Health for Life Plan members can claim a 10% discount off any neutering procedure. Our health club offers preventative health, and you could be saving each year on what you spend on your pet treatment wise. 

Find out more about our Pet Health for Life Plan

Dog Neutering Frequently Asked Questions:

What is puppy spaying?

Spaying is a surgical procedure for female dogs where the ovaries—and sometimes the uterus—are removed, preventing them from reproducing. For male dogs, the equivalent procedure is castration, which involves removing both testicles.

At what age should my puppy be neutered?

We generally recommend neutering at around six months of age.

  • Female dogs can be spayed before their first season (around six months) or after their first heat cycle.
  • Male dogs can be neutered from six months onward.

The ideal timing may vary depending on your dog’s breed and size—our team can advise on the best approach.

How long does it take for my dog to recover from spaying?

Most female dogs need at least two weeks to fully recover. Recovery time may differ depending on the dog’s breed, size, and overall health.

We’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help manage pain relief and ensure a smooth healing process.

What are the benefits of neutering my dog?

Neutering has many health and behavioural benefits, including:

  • Preventing unwanted pregnancies
  • Lowering the risk of certain cancers (mammary tumours in females, testicular cancer in males)
  • Preventing uterine infections (pyometra) in females
  • Reducing the risk of prostate issues in males
  • Minimising unwanted behaviours (such as roaming, scent marking, and aggression)

Does my dog need to have a litter before being spayed?

No—there are no health benefits to allowing your dog to have a litter before spaying. In fact, spaying before the first season can significantly reduce the risk of mammary cancer and prevent complications related to reproduction.

What if my dog is older than six months or has already had a season?

If your female dog has had a season, we usually recommend waiting around three months before spaying to minimise surgical risks. We’ll assess your dog and determine the best timing for the procedure.

 

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