If you choose to neuter your dog, the procedure is commonly performed between the ages of six to nine months of age. Whether or not you neuter your dog is up to you and is something that you should discuss with your vet. If, after your discussion, you do decide to neuter or spay your puppy or dog, there are a few things you need to take into consideration.
When to neuter your puppy
Knowing when to neuter your dog is an important consideration. Depending on the size and breed of the dog, both male and female puppies begin to reach sexual maturity between 6 and 18 months. If you are neutering or spaying your puppy to prevent them from having future litters of puppies, doing so when they are on the younger side is generally best. However, in some cases, your vet may suggest waiting. Delaying the neutering process is commonly advised with larger breeds, which typically take longer to mature.
Whatever size your dog, and whatever your reason for neutering or spaying, discuss the decision with your vet to choose the optimal time for your particular pup.
Benefits of neutering or spaying
In male dogs, the benefits of neutering include the prevention of breeding, the prevention of testicular cancer, the reduction in the risk of prostate problems and the modification of specific behaviours. NOTE: Neutering will only improve behaviours related to male hormone levels, so castration is never an alternative to proper socialisation and training.
The main advantages of spaying your female dog are preventing pregnancy, preventing infection of the uterus, preventing ovarian or uterine cancer and reducing the likelihood of mammary (breast) cancer, all of which can be life-threatening. Spaying also prevents your bitch from coming into season, removing male dogs’ unwanted attention.
The main disadvantages of having your dog neutered or spayed are the risks associated with any general anaesthetic and any operation. In females, there is also a risk of urinary incontinence later in life.
What to expect
When you set a date for your puppy to be neutered, your vet may want to do a pre-anaesthetic check-up a day or two before the procedure to assess their general health. This assessment usually involves a physical examination and bloodwork to check liver and kidney function, as well as ensure there are no current illnesses. In the case of male dogs, the vet will also check to ensure that both testicles are fully descended into the scrotum.
Your vet will then likely advise you not to feed your puppy the night before the procedure to reduce any potential complications from the anaesthesia.
In male dogs, the operation involves the removal of both testicles. These are removed by carefully cutting through the skin just in front of the scrotum and through the various layers which cover the testicle. The very large blood vessels and the spermatic cord must be tied carefully before cutting to allow for the removal of the testicle. The layers are then closed up with sutures, which may be visible on the surface or buried.
NOTE: If the testicles are not descended, the operation is more complex and may involve the vet going into the abdomen to locate the testicle and remove it. The recovery time from neutering with undescended testicles is thus much longer than for descended testicles.
In female dogs, the operation involves the removal of the ovaries and uterus (an ovariohysterectomy). The surgeon opens the abdomen by cutting through the various layers. The first ovary is located, and the blood vessels are tied off before it can be cut free at one end, and then this is repeated for the second ovary. The main body of the uterus is then tied off as well before the whole thing can be cut free and removed. After checking for any bleeding, the layers of the abdomen are sewn closed again. A dressing may be applied to the wound.
The procedure itself, provided it goes smoothly, usually doesn’t necessitate an overnight stay. This means you will probably drop your puppy off at the vet first thing in the morning and collect them later in the afternoon.
Recovery time
On average, a dog’s recovery time after being spayed or neutered is between seven and ten days. Males tend to heal much faster because the procedure is considerably less invasive than it is for females.
While the incision heals, your dog will probably need to wear a surgical cone, so he can’t get to the wound and cause damage or infection.
Your vet will probably want to schedule a post-operative check-up several days after the operation to track their recovery. If your vet has used non-dissolvable stitches, they will provide a stitch removal date, which is usually around seven to ten days after the procedure. Dissolvable stitches will dissolve over time and do not need to be removed by your vet.
Top tips for the recovery process
- Keep a close eye on your puppy no the first night after the operation.
- Your puppy might whimper as they recover from their procedure. This could be due to disorientation from anaesthesia or from pain. The best advice, in either case, is to contact your vet.
- Puppies can sometimes get an upset stomach as a side-effect of anaesthesia. For this reason, your vet might recommend a post-operative recovery diet for the first few meals after the operation to help calm the stomach.
- Give any medications provided by your vet according to the schedule advised.
- Your puppy can go outside the day after their operation but keep them on a lead until they are fully recovered.
- Check the wound regularly to ensure it is clean and healing well.
A note on diet after neutering
Sometimes spaying and neutering are associated with weight gain, which is due to the hormonal changes that take place afterwards.
On average, a spayed or neutered dog requires about 30 per cent fewer calories to maintain their weight. You should talk with your vet about a specific recommendation for your dog.
Final thoughts
The decision to spay or neuter your dog is personal and should be made after a discussion with your vet. In most cases, the benefits will outweigh the risks, but it is not the case that every single dog must be spayed or neutered as a matter of course.
