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In male dogs, both testes are removed; this is known as ‘castration’. In female dogs, 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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Here at Spinney Vets, we can also perform a female dog ‘spaying’ procedure via keyhole surgery; your pet would have three small incisions, and females often recover faster from this surgery.

Neutering your dog Neutering or spaying your dog:

  • 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 dog neutering 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 for dog neutering

Your pet requires a general anaesthetic for neutering; here at Spinney 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 Spinney 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 will be admitted as a ‘day patient’, and they will be discharged later that day once our team is happy with how your pet has recovered.

Find your local Spinney Vets

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 if you have any further questions once you have your pet settled back at home on 01604 648221.

Pet Health for Life Plan Offer

Spinney Vets Pet Health Plan members can claim a 10% discount on neutering procedures. Our health club offers preventative health, and you could be saving each year on what you spend on your pet treatment. 

Find out more about our Pet Health For Life Plan


Further reading:

Neutering your cat    |    Neutering your rabbit

 

 

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OUR LOCATIONS

Veterinary Hospital Northampton

Spinney Vets Kettering Road
491 Kettering Rd
Northampton NN3 6QW

Normal Opening Times:
Monday - Friday: 08.00 - 19.00
Saturday: 08.00 - 12.00
Sundays: Closed
Bank Holidays: Closed

Outside of these times you will be directed to our dedicated out of hours emergency service provider,
Vets Now.

Telephone: 01604 648221

OUT OF HOURS COVER
Telephone: 01604 648221

OUR LOCATIONS

Veterinary Hospital Northampton

Spinney Vets Kettering Road
491 Kettering Rd
Northampton NN3 6QW

Normal Opening Times:
Monday - Friday: 08.00 - 19.00
Saturday: 08.00 - 12.00
Sundays: Closed
Bank Holidays: Closed

Outside of these times you will be directed to our dedicated out of hours emergency service provider,
Vets Now.

Telephone: 01604 648221

OUT OF HOURS COVER
Telephone: 01604 648221

Veterinary Surgery Northampton

Spinney Vets Wootton Fields
3-5 Tudor Court
Wootton Hope Drive
Wootton Fields
Northampton NN4 6FF

Opening Times:
Monday - Friday: 09.00 - 18.30
Saturday: 09.00 - 12.00
Sunday: ClOSED
Bank Holiday: CLOSED

Telephone: 01604 700366

OUT OF HOURS COVER
Telephone: 01604 648221