Neutering your dog
Dog neutering is a routine vet procedure that stops your dog from breeding. It also reduces the risk of some diseases and can mean less veterinary costs in the future.
What is neutering?
Neutering is a procedure that prevents your dog from being able to breed. It is usually done through surgery.
- In male dogs it’s called castration. A vet removes both testicles which takes away the main source of the male hormone, testosterone. This stops them from being able to breed.
- In female dogs it’s called spaying. A vet removes both the ovaries, and usually the uterus. This means the female is unable to become pregnant.
For male dogs, there is an implant that temporarily stops them being able to breed. This is not permanent and only lasts for six or 12 months.
For female dogs, there are treatments which can stop pregnancy after mating. Contact your vet if your female dog has been accidentally mated.
What happens during neutering?
Neutering your dog is done under general anaesthetic. All surgery has some risk, but neutering is a routine procedure that vets perform every day. During and after the surgery, your pet will be given medication to control any pain they might have.
Preparing for the operation
Before your pet’s surgery, a vet will talk to you about how you need to prepare. This usually involves not feeding your dog anything for several hours before their surgery.
If your dog has recently been unwell, tell your vet before the surgery. This will help them to assess whether your dog is ready to undergo surgery.
During the operation
Your dog will be given general anaesthetic and painkillers to make sure they do not feel anything during the operation. Your vet will also clip the hair around where an incision (cut) needs to be made.
- If your female dog is being spayed, your vet will make an incision in the abdomen (tummy) area. The ovaries, and usually the womb, will be removed.
- If your male dog is being castrated, your vet will make a small incision so that their testicles can be removed.
Some vets will perform keyhole (laparoscopic) spays. But this can be more expensive as it requires specific equipment and training. A small camera and surgical instruments are inserted through small cuts, and the ovaries are removed. The benefits of this type of surgery are a quicker recovery period, and fewer complications.
After the operation
After the surgery, a vet or vet nurse will continue to monitor and look after your pet. You’ll usually be able to pick them up a few hours after surgery. Some pets may take a little longer to recover, but your vet practice will contact you to let you know how they're doing.
Recovery
Once your dog is home, they might be a bit sleepy for a few hours while the anaesthetic wears off . This is completely normal. Anaesthetic can take up to a day to wear off completely. Your vet will let you know how long they'll need to rest and what to do. This includes making sure your dog:
- takes any prescribed medication
- does not run or jump around – this will help their wound heal and prevent any complications
- does not lick their wound – you might need a protective cone, buster collar or body suit to stop them licking the area. Speak to your vet about the best options for your dog before they go in for surgery.
- has a check-up if needed. Your pet may also have stitches that need removing, but your vet will let you know if your dog needs a follow up appointment.
Important
Complications often arise because pets are not rested enough. It's essential that you follow your vets guidance after the operation. Call your vet if you have any concerns about how your pet is recovering.
Dog neutering FAQs
The cost of castration or spaying can vary depending on the type of dog you have. Spaying usually costs more because it involves surgery to internal organs. But in some cases, castration can be more expensive if your dog has a retained testicle (the testicle has failed to drop down into the scrotum).
Larger dogs can also cost more to neuter than small dogs. This is because they need more anaesthetic, and the surgery will often take longer.
Speak to your vet on your dog's specific case to find out the cost of neutering them.
Every dog is unique. You should discuss the benefits and risks of neutering your dog with your vet.
Benefits for your dog
- Castration for male dogs significantly reduces the chance of them getting certain prostate diseases and prevents testicular cancer
- Spaying female dogs is likely to reduce the risk of mammary (breast) cancer, which can be fatal. Neutering them at a younger age may reduce this risk even further.
- Spaying your dog eliminates the risk of an infection of the womb (called pyometra). This infection can be fatal. If your dog is suffering from pyometra and needs to be spayed as part of treatment, the risk of the surgery will be much greater. They'll also likely need other treatment to help them recover. This will be more expensive than spaying a healthy dog.
- For some dogs, pregnancy and birth can be risky. Certain breeds can have more problems throughout the process. Ask your vet for advice before breeding.
- Many unneutered female dogs have a false pregnancy after a season and, although this is natural, it can cause behavioural and medical problems. Some dogs can be very sensitive and worried during their season, and may need more support.
Benefits for you
- If a female gets pregnant, it can be very expensive (due to potential complications, and delivery of the puppies). Puppies also need a lot of constant care. Neutering your dog ensures you do not have to worry about expensive vet bills and caring for new puppies around the clock.
- Female dogs in heat can be messy – they produce a bloody discharge which can last for around seven to 10 days. You'll also need to keep them away from intact males. This can be tricky, especially out on walks.
It’s commonly believed that neutering will help young dogs calm down. But there is no real evidence for this. If your young dog is boisterous, not coming when called or generally ignoring you on walks, our information on adolescence in dogs might help.
Speak to your vet and a qualified behaviourist if you're worried about any aspect of your dog’s behaviour, as neutering can make certain problem behaviours worse. They'll be able to advise you on how to help manage your dog's behaviour, whether you choose to have them neutered or not.
As with all surgery, neutering carries a risk. Although complications are rare, the risk depends on factors including the health of your dog, age and breed.
The risks of surgery include anaesthetic risks, bleeding during and immediately after surgery, and infection.
Post operation risks include breakdown and infection of the wound. These risks can be minimised by strictly following the guidance given by your vet (limiting exercise, keeping your dog's environment clean and preventing your dog from interfering with their wound).
If you're concerned about the risks for your dog, speak to your vet.
There is limited evidence to say when's the best time to neuter your dog. The existing evidence suggests that the best time to neuter your dog depends on their breed, size, sex and temperament. It's best to speak to your vet about what's best for your dog.
In female dogs, it's important that they are spayed at the right time. For example, many vets will avoid spaying a dog while she's in season or if she’s showing signs of false pregnancy in the weeks after a season. If you have a female dog, let your vet know the date of their last season, and look out for symptoms of false pregnancy.
You might be worried that your dog's personality will change after they've been neutered. It's unlikely that this will happen. But if you have concerns about your dog's behaviour before prior to neutering, you should speak to your vet and an ABTC behaviourist.
Neutering can affect how your dog gains weight. Because of this, they may be more prone to putting on weight.
Ask your vet about how much food you should be feeding your dog. They may advise changing to a food designed for neutered pets. You should also weigh and body condition score your dog regularly.
Yes. Neutered pedigree dogs can be shown according to Kennel Club rules.
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Reviewed
• 5 August 2024
Next review
• 5 August 2027
