Neutering

Some definitions

• Castration = The neutering of male dogs by the surgical removal of both testicles
• Spaying = The neutering of female dogs by the surgical removal of both ovaries and the uterus

Dogs

Male dogs can be castrated from 5-6 months of age.

Castration will remove the risk of testicular cancer and also reduce the risk of prostatic disease. It can also help to reduce aggression, roaming and unwanted sexual behaviour.

Female dogs can be spayed EITHER before signs of their first season at around 5-6 months of age OR 12 weeks after they finish their first season.

Spaying female dogs when they are young significantly reduces their risk of developing mammary cancer. Mammary cancer is very common in older, un spayed female dogs. In addition, it will remove the inconvenience of seasons and also the risk of developing potential fatal womb infections (pyometra).

Cats

Male and female cats can be neutered from 5-6 months of age.

Neutering your female cat will eliminate the risk of unwanted pregnancies and the risk of disease/cancer associated with the ovaries and uterus in the future.
Entire cats (especially males) are more likely to fight with their neighbours and so are at more risk of contracting serious diseases such as FIV (cat Aids) or FeLV (leukaemia) which can be spread via cat bites. Neutering male cats should help to reduce any aggressive behaviour and mean they are less likely to roam. A neutered male cat is also at less risk of certain diseases including prostate disease and anal and testicular tumours.

Rabbits

Rabbits can be neutered from 5-6 months old.

Male rabbits can be territorial and sometimes aggressive behaviour can be problematic. Castration should reduce this and make your pet more relaxed. It should also stop urine spraying.
Female rabbits can also develop aggressive behaviour once they are sexually mature. They may also suffer from false pregnancies which are eliminated once she is spayed. Uterine cancer is extremely common in un spayed female rabbits over the age of four, and like cats and dogs they are also at risk of developing womb infections (pyometra).