Neutering is the medical term for surgically removing an animal's reproductive organs. This prevents the animal from breeding and producing offspring. In female dogs, the process is called ‘spaying’ and in male dogs the process is called ‘castration’.

In a female dogs ‘spay’ procedure, either the ovaries and uterus or just the ovaries are removed from the body, so she can no longer become pregnant. This procedure can be done with an incision down the abdomen, or can be done ‘laparoscopically’, also known as ‘keyhole’.  

In a male dog ‘castration’ procedure, the testicles are removed which stops the production of the sperm needed for breeding. Their scrotum, the bag of tissue that holds their testicles within, is often left intact. If the surgery is done on a young dog or a puppy this scrotum will, with time, shrink and become indistinguishable from the surrounding area. In older dogs the scrotum may remain as an empty bag. Castration is another name for neutering in male dogs.  

In male dogs, there is a non-surgical and temporary option for castration. Using a hormonal implant injected under the skin, the hormone ‘testosterone’ which is produced in the testes is blocked and acts as a chemical castration. This implant is temporary, with the option of 6 months of 12 months. Once injected, this cannot be removed easily but does wear off with time. It can be an option for those who are unsure whether castration is the right choice for their dog. 

Your dog will be under general anaesthetic for the procedure – they will be unconscious and asleep. Pain medication is routinely given during and after the surgery to ensure they are comfortable. Most dogs are active within a few hours of the anaesthetic wearing off. It usually takes around two weeks for your dog to heal fully, so during this time you must prevent them from running around or licking the wound as this can cause complications.   

Young dogs often appear to recover from neutering after a few days. It does however still take the recommended two weeks for them to heal internally. Most of the time the hardest part is keeping their energy under wraps while they’re recovering. They should be kept on lead walks and should not run in the initial few weeks of healing, remember to follow your vets advice. 

The specific age and timing of neutering depends on a number of factors which your vet will discuss with you. It’s often recommended that puppies are neutered after the age of 6 months. In larger dogs it is recommended that they are neutered once they have reached their full adult size.   

Reasons for neutering early are based around preventing your dog from developing unwanted behavioural concerns like humping or sexual aggression. Equally, some female dogs are spaeyed early because they are in a household with an un-neutered male and could get pregnant.  

There is not a maximum age for the neutering operation, but your vet will assess your pet's health to check if it is the right time. Female dogs will normally be spayed between seasons rather than while they are bleeding. Other health concerns like diabetes, or continuous medication, can also influence whether it’s a good time to neuter your pet. If in doubt, check with your vet.   

Some owners choose to neuter their pets for health reasons, while others will neuter their pets because they want to prevent accidental puppies. In certain cases, male dogs are neutered to help improve behaviour or reduce sexual aggression and unwanted behaviours like humping. Although castrating a dog can improve this, behaviour can also be learned through repeated experience so each dog will likely react differently to having testosterone removed. It’s always best to chat with your vet or veterinary nurse about the options available. 

Preventing pregnancy is a major reason to neuter your dog. Pregnancy and birth itself can be challenging or even life-threatening. Puppies (anywhere from 1 – 12 + per litter) can be expensive and time consuming to raise. Each pup requires a suitable home to be found and feeding and housing until they are at least 8 weeks old. Each pup has to be microchipped, treated for fleas and worms, and ideally insured. It takes seconds for a successful mating to occur and there’s no ‘morning after’ pill for dogs that’s entirely safe.  

Hormones produced in the testicles of male dogs can drive them to run across roads, or lose their recall training, simply to follow the scent of an intact female. Their hormones can also play a part in excessive humping or aggression. 

Health benefits of neutering include – but are not limited to – reducing breast, ovarian and uterine cancers in female dogs, and testicular cancers in male dogs, while eliminating the chance of a pyometra (a potentially deadly infection of the womb) in female dogs. 

Got a puppy or kitten? Join our Puppy & Kitten Club and enjoy a range of benefits designed to give your new pet the best start. As a member, you’ll receive 10% off your first shop along with a free pack of selected food, plus access to exclusive offers on vets, pet insurance, and grooming services. You’ll also benefit from regular deals on food, treats, and accessories, as well as expert advice to support you every step of the way.