Local Pet Neutering Services at Spinney Vets, Northampton

Pet neutering, also known as spaying for females and castration for males, is a routine surgical procedure performed under general anaesthetic to prevent reproduction. This safe and commonly performed procedure offers significant health and behavioural benefits for your pet.

Taking the step to neuter your pet is a responsible choice as an owner, supporting their long-term well-being.

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Neutering Your Dog

For male dogs, neutering involves the surgical removal of both testicles, a procedure known as castration. This can have numerous benefits, including reducing aggression and undesirable behaviours over time.

What is puppy castration?

Puppy castration is a straightforward surgical procedure where both testicles are carefully removed. The procedure typically takes around 30 minutes.

At what age can my puppy be neutered?

Puppies can be neutered from six months old, though it is often recommended to wait until your dog has reached full maturity, particularly for larger breeds, which may take up to two years.

What is the recovery time after dog neutering?

Following castration, your dog will need a few days of rest at home. Most dogs can resume normal activities and exercise within 10 days.

Benefits of castrating your dog:

• Prevents unwanted litters.
• Reduces the risk of testicular tumours and prostate issues.
• Helps manage hypersexual behaviours like mounting or scent marking.
• May reduce aggression toward other male dogs.

Book a dog neutering appointment

Female Dog Spaying

Spaying involves the surgical removal of a female dog’s ovaries, with or without the uterus. This procedure eliminates the ability to reproduce and offers significant health benefits.

What is puppy spaying?

Spaying is the surgical removal of a female dog’s ovaries and, in some cases, the uterus.

What is the recovery time after dog spaying?

Because spaying is a more complex operation than castration, female dogs typically require at least two weeks of rest and recovery. Specific recovery times can vary by breed. We provide detailed post-surgery care instructions, including pain relief and follow-up check-ups.

Benefits of spaying your female dog:

• Prevents unwanted pregnancies and phantom pregnancies.
• Reduces the risk of uterine infections.
• Lowers the risk of mammary tumours.

Cat Neutering

Cats reach reproductive maturity quickly, so we recommend neutering both male and female cats at around four months old, following RSPCA and Cats Protection guidelines.

Neutering for male cats (castration) involves the removal of both testes, while spaying for female cats includes the removal of the ovaries and uterus.

Benefits of neutering your cat:

• Prevents unwanted litters.
• Reduces the risk of feline diseases, including Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV).
• Lowers the risk of testicular tumours and prostate problems in males.
• Reduces roaming, fighting, and territorial behaviours.
• Prevents urine spraying.

Book a cat neutering appointment

Rabbit Neutering

Neutering is equally important for rabbits, with the procedure typically performed from four months of age. For males, this involves the removal of the testicles, while for females, it includes the removal of the ovaries and uterus.

Rabbits are social animals, and neutering supports healthier bonding and pairing, contributing to their overall happiness.

Benefits of neutering your rabbit:

• Encourages better bonding and pairing, which is vital for their social needs.
• Prevents unwanted pregnancies.
• Helps with litter training.
• Reduces aggressive behaviours, particularly in males.

Book a rabbit neutering appointment

 

When's the right time for my pet?

	Male	Female
Cat	From four months	From four months
Dog	From six months although we will consider your pet’s weight, breed and behaviour	Pre-season or at least three months after season

 

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