The decision whether or not to have your dog neutered can be daunting. We are here to help you decide what option is best. Here are the most commonly asked questions about dog neutering, dog castration and bitch spaying

What is dog neutering?

Neutering is a surgical procedure to spay or castrate your dog to ensure they are no longer able to breed.

What is dog spaying?

Spaying your dog involves the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus. This procedure is called an ovariohysterectomy, or spay.

What is dog castration?

Castration is the removal of the testes’ functionality. Surgical castration is the removal of excision of both testes. Chemical castration uses pharmaceutical drugs to deactivate the testes. Pet castration is used for both birth control and behaviour management purposes.

What happens when my dog is neutered?

Your dog’s neutering operation is performed under anaesthesia. Your pet is then carefully monitored after surgery by our highly-qualified and registered veterinary nurses.

When do puppies have their first season?

Puberty (the period of sexual maturation and coming into season) in the female dog is variable, usually between 6–14 months. Small breeds often reach puberty earlier than larger breeds. Note that behavioural and social maturity may be reached between 12 and 24 months of age and is suspected to differ depending on the breed.

Puberty (the period of sexual maturation) in the male dog is considered to occur between 6 and 9 months of age. Note that behavioural and social maturity may be reached between 12 and 24 months of age and is suspected to differ depending on the breed.

How often do dogs come into season?

Most dogs go into heat twice a year (every 6 months). However, the interval can vary from dog to dog. Small breeds tend to cycle more frequently (and can come into season three times per year). Very large breeds, like Great Danes and St. Bernards, may only go into heat once a year.

How old should a puppy be in order to be neutered?

The recommended age for neutering your puppy will depend upon a mix of factors including your puppy’s health, gender; weight and, in some instances, their breed.

Male puppies/dogs – best time to neuter

For male puppies, we recommend they are neutered between six and thirteen months old for optimum health benefits. There are breed specific exceptions to this so please consult your vet for more information (see fact sheet). Traditional early neutering of male dogs has been linked via research to an increased risk of joint disorders and some cancers.

Our revised recommendations are

• Dogs less than 20kg: male puppies/dogs can be castrated from 6 months old onwards..  Recent research found no increased risks were found for common joint disorders and cancers.
• Dogs weighing more than 20 kg – dogs can be castrated from 1 year of age - as neutering before 1 year generally was significantly associated with risks of one or more joint disorders (but not cancers).

Female puppies/bitches – best time to neuter

We recommend female puppies/bitches should not be spayed until they are at least 3-4 months old to avoid an increased risk of urinary incontinence.

The other factor influencing timing of dog neutering is the weight of the female puppy/bitch

• For female dogs less than 20 kg – we recommend they can be spayed from 6 months old (usually 3 months after their first season and ideally before their second season)
• For female dogs more than 20 kg -  we recommend they can be spayed from 12 months old and ideally three months after their second season)

There are some breed exceptions – please discuss the best timings with your vet.

How long does a dog neutering operation take?

Neutering dogs is also a relatively quick procedure, especially males, which helps keep the risk low. In most cases your dog will be reunited with you the same day.

Where can I get my dog neutered?

Here at the RVC Beaumont Sainsbury vet practice, we offer a full dog and puppy neutering service across a wide variety of species.

When can I get my dog neutered?

We run spaying and neutering clinics Monday to Friday (advance booking required). Limited weekend appointments available which may incur additional charges. For deciding what age your puppy should be neutered - check out our recommendations based on their sex/age/breed.

Before you can book an appointment to neuter your puppy/dog - you will need to register with us 
Is you pet already registered with us? Call us to book your neutering appointment on 0207 387 8134

How much does dog spaying/neutering cost ?

Your pet’s spaying/neutering costs will vary according to the type of neutering involved and your puppy/dog's weight.

Prices for standard dog or puppy castration are:

Castration:
0-10kg             £248.04
11kg-25kg       £258.04
26kg-40kg       £268.04
41kg+              £278.04

Prices for standard dog or puppy spay are:

Spay:
0-10kg             £308.04
11kg - 25kg     £328.04
26kg - 40kg     £348.04

41kg +             £368.04

The dog/puppy neutering prices are inclusive of the operation, 2 x post-operative checks and a buster collar

Why is dog neutering something I should consider?

Neutering/spaying female dogs can have a number of advantages

• prevention of unwanted pregnancies
• prevention of bleeding indoors associated with coming into 'season' or 'heat'
• reduction of the risk of mammary gland (breast) tumours (There are other influential factors such as obesity and breed susceptibility)
• reduction of the risk of having an infected uterus (pyometra) (NB Some breeds have an increased susceptibility)

Advantages of neutering/castrating of male dogs include

• reduction in unwanted puppies being born (adding to animal shelter population) 
• reduction in difficult behaviours such as frequent urine marking; mounting, and roaming
• reduction in aggression with other dogs and consequential injuries/diseases
• elimination of testicular cancer (if your dog is found to have an undescended testicle)
• reduction in risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)