Dog Neuturing

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Neutering Dogs

The neutering of dogs has many advantages to both your dog and to you the owner. There are however some disadvantages and it is useful to be aware of these before proceeding with the operation. For many the advantages of neutering outweigh the disadvantages so the decision to neuter is taken.

It is also a sad truth that the number of puppies born every year far exceeds the number of good homes that can be found for them. As a result, many are destroyed and some unwanted ones are left abandoned to fend for themselves.

Castration of male dogs

Usually Performed at 6 months of age.

Advantages

Less likely to wander, especially when a local bitch is in season.
Less likely to be aggressive
Less likely to show mounting behaviour of both other dogs and people
Less likely to develop diseases of the prostate later in life
Will not develop testicular problems later in life

Disadvantages

Fairly major operation with the normal risks associated with anaesthesia and many surgical procedures.
More likely to put on weight (but usually controlled by feeding less)

Spaying of bitches

Usually performed before the first season or 4 months after your pets last season, please feel free to contact the practice to make an appointment to discuss neutering if you are considering this.

Advantages

No chance of pregnancy
No season (heats), so none of the bleeding and attraction of male dogs that occurs with a season.
No chance of pyometra (a relatively common and serious womb infection)
Greatly reduced chance of mammary neoplasia (breast cancer), especially if performed prior to the second season

Disadvantages

Major operation with the normal risks associated with anaesthesia and major surgery
Spaying bitches is a more difficult operation than castration (so carries greater risks) but is one of the most common operations carried out by vets, usually without any complications
More likely to put on weight (but can usually be controlled by feeding less)
Some bitches become incontinent later in life (this can usually be successfully controlled by medication)

The idea of “letting my bitch have just one litter” is to be discouraged, particularly if you can not be sure to find good home for all of them.

If you have any further questions please ask a nurse or make an appointment to see a vet.

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Head Office Address

Address -
5 Chapple Rd, Witheridge,
Tiverton,
Devon,
EX16 8AS,
United Kingdom (GB)

Telephone -
01884 860236

Fax -
01884 861266

Emergency -
01884 860236