Did you know… neutering can have significant preventative health care benefits for your pet?
Local Pet Neutering Services
Pet neutering, which includes spaying and castration for dogs, is a routine surgical procedure performed under general anaesthesia to prevent pets from reproducing. This is a common and low-risk procedure, and our team at Eastcott Vets performs it frequently with great success.
Neutering is a responsible and essential step for every pet owner. It provides several health benefits and helps reduce behavioural issues.
Benefits of neutering your pet
Neutering is a surgical procedure performed under general anaesthesia to remove part or all of an animal’s reproductive organs, preventing them from reproducing. In males, it is called castration and in females, spaying.
- 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! 86% of owned cats and 71% of owned dogs in the UK are neutered*
*PSDA Paws report 2020
When's the right time for my pet?
|
Male |
Female |
Cat |
From three months |
From three months |
Dog |
Nine to ten months although we will consider your pet’s weight, breed and behaviour |
After first season |
Rabbit | From four months | From four months |
Click on the links below to find out more.
Dog Neutering
Male Dog Neutering
Male dog neutering, or castration, involves the removal of both testicles. This procedure can have significant long-term benefits, including a reduction in aggressive behaviour and the risk of certain health conditions.
What to Know About Male Dog Neutering
- Puppy castration is a quick and straightforward procedure where both testicles are removed. It usually takes about 30 minutes for the procedure to be completed.
- Age for neutering: It’s typically safe to neuter your dog at around 6 months of age. However, for larger breeds, we recommend waiting until the dog has matured, which may take up to 2 years.
- Recovery time: After neutering, your dog should rest for a few days to recover. Most dogs are ready to return to their normal activities after 10 days.
- Benefits of castration:
- Prevents the risk of fathering unwanted litters
- Reduces the likelihood of testicular cancer and prostate problems
- Helps control hypersexual behaviours like humping and scent marking
- Reduces aggression toward other male dogs
Book a neutering appointment for your dog
Female Dog Spaying
Spaying a female dog involves the removal of the ovaries, and sometimes the uterus. This surgery ensures your dog cannot reproduce and helps eliminate various health risks.
What to Know About Female Dog Spaying
- Puppy spaying: This involves the removal of the ovaries, and in some cases, the uterus.
- Recovery time: Spaying is more complex than castration, so your dog will need around two weeks to fully recover. We provide aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
- Benefits of spaying:
- Prevents unwanted pregnancies
- Reduces the risk of phantom pregnancies
- Lowers the chance of developing uterine infections and mammary tumours
Book a neutering appointment for your dog
Cat Neutering
Cats mature quickly, and neutering both male and female cats at an early age is essential to avoid unwanted litters and reduce health risks. We follow the guidelines set by the RSPCA and Cats Protection, recommending neutering cats around 4 months of age.
For female cats, spaying involves the removal of the ovaries and uterus. Male cats undergo castration, which involves removing both testicles.
What to Know About Cat Neutering
- Benefits of neutering your cat:
- Castration prevents male cats from fathering kittens
- Reduces the risk of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV)
- Lowers the risk of testicular cancer and prostate issues
- Reduces the tendency for male cats to roam in search of a mate
- Helps prevent fights and the risk of diseases like cat bite abscesses
- Reduces the behaviour of urine spraying and territorial marking
- Kitten spaying: Kitten spaying involves the removal of both the uterus and ovaries.
Book a neutering appointment for your cat
Rabbit Neutering
Rabbits are typically neutered from around four months of age. The neutering procedure for male rabbits includes the removal of their testicles, while female rabbits undergo spaying, which involves the removal of the ovaries and uterus.
As rabbits are social animals, neutering them early can help with bonding and pairing, which significantly improves their happiness and well-being.
What to Know About Rabbit Neutering
- Benefits of neutering rabbits:
- Encourages bonding with other rabbits, which is vital for their social needs
- Prevents unwanted pregnancies
- Helps with litter training
- Reduces aggressive behaviours, especially in males
Book a neutering appointment for your rabbit