Neutering
We believe that neutering our beloved pets can have many benefits to their health and wellbeing.
We believe it best to have the procedures done at six months old, however there are certain cases which may require the procedure to be done sooner or later. Your vet can discuss this with you if applicable.
Neutering your dog
Dogs are typically neutered at six months old unless they are a giant or large breed, in which case they may benefit from having the procedure at an older age to allow more time for full development. Ask your vet when the right time is for your dog.
In male dogs the castration procedure can:
Reduces his risk of developing testicular cancer
Reduces his risk of developing prostate disease
Prevent perianal tumours
Can help reduce hormonally driven aggression – our vets can give you advice about your dog's behaviour
He'll be less likely to roam and go missing from home
Reduces behaviour like urine marking and humping
Prevent unwanted breeding and perpetuation of genetic defects
We also offer other options such as hormonal implants. Speak to your vet about your animal’s best needs.
In female dogs the spay procedure can:
Reduces her chances of developing mammary tumours
Prevents her from developing a potentially life-threatening infection of the womb called pyometra, as well as uterine disease
Prevent unwanted breeding and perpetuation of genetic defects
Female dogs often benefit most by having the operation when they are around six months old. We usually perform the procedure three months after their first season, so it is important to mark these dates on your calendar or diary!
Our nurses offer a free check up one week before a procedure to make sure she is at the correct stage of her cycle.
Neutering your cat
Neutering in male cats:
It makes him less likely to fight other cats, reducing his chances of getting wounds, abscesses and viruses which are spread via cat bites
He'll be less likely to roam and go missing
He will be less likely to spray urine in your home
His urine won’t smell as strongly as an unneutered male cat
Reduce unwanted litters
In female cats:
It can reduce the risk of developing cancer of the womb or ovaries, and mammary tumours
It prevents pyometra – a serious and potentially life-threatening womb infection
It will prevent unwanted pregnancies – female cats can become pregnant all year long, and from the age of four months old
It will stop her from coming into heat seasonally between February to September, which can cause behavioural changes and stress for your cat. Females will also attract unneutered males with associated problems of spraying, fighting and wailing
If you have more than one cat it’s really important to get them neutered, even if they’re related. Many people don't know that brothers, sisters and parents will produce kittens if they live together unneutered.
Neutering your rabbit
Rabbits are social animals and to prevent loneliness, it’s recommended they live in pairs.
Neutered male and female rabbits can cohabit together happily without producing any unwanted litters. Neutering can also help same sex rabbits live together with reduced risks of behavioural problems caused by their hormones.
There are other benefits to neutering rabbits.
In females:
Reduces chances of developing uterine cancers
It can prevent unwanted mounting and hormonally driven aggression developing – speak to your vet if you are having behavioural problems with your rabbit
In males:
Intact male rabbits often can be too aggressive to live with other rabbits, which can leave them lonely
Neutering can reduce urine spraying, aggression and other behavioural problems that are linked to his hormones.
He can be neutered when his testicles have descended – usually this happens at around 12 weeks