Neutering is a general term for castrating a male dog or spaying a female dog.
You can find information on castrating a male dog here.
Spaying is the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus
commonly referred to as ‘neutering’. Performed as a
routine operation under general anaesthetic, the patient
is usually admitted in the morning and is collected later
the same day. We recommend spaying dogs before their
first season. If your dog has already had a season we
recommend spaying them 2 – 3 months after their latest
season.
Why are female dogs spayed?
The primary reason for spaying is to prevent unwanted
puppies. Other benefits include:
- Spayed bitches (especially if spayed before their first
season) are over 100 times less likely to develop
mammary tumours.
- Exercise – a spayed bitch can be exercised off the
lead safely; where as an un-neutered bitch in season
will attract male dogs’ attention. This can result in
mismating and fights, so the bitch must be kept on a
lead at all times.
- Un-neutered bitches come into season once or twice
a year and produce a bloody discharge that can stain
the animal’s coat or your carpets and furniture!
- Spayed bitches are healthier and will have fewer problems
such as pyometra (a life threatening infection of the
womb), false pregnancies, mammary tumours etc.
However there can be disadvantages:
Spay incontinence
- a small percentage of bitches
spayed may ‘leak’ a little urine following surgery. A
simple treatment is available for this problem which only
occurs in a very small percentage of bitches spayed.
Weight gain
-spayed bitches have a reduced metabolic
rate so they need less food. If their diet is altered after
surgery there will be no weight increase. Clients are
advised to check their dog’s weight 2 months after
surgery when dietary advice can be given if necessary.
Unless you want to use a female dog for breeding purposes,
the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages of having
your dog spayed.
A spayed dog has fewer medical problems, lives longer
on average, does not add to the pet overpopulation and
can make a more loyal, loving and rewarding pet.
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