What is meant by "castration"?
In this operation, which is performed under general anaesthetic, both testicles are removed, thus removing the source of sperm and the male sex hormone (testosterone).

Why should I consider castrating my dog?

There are many advantages:
Usually the dog becomes less aggressive and more placid
The dog is less likely to wander and chase bitches on heat
Neutering prevents tumours of the testicles and peri-anal region.
Neutering reduces the incidences of problems occurring in the prostate gland, perineal hernias, and hormone-related tumours

Will castration change my dog's nature?
There is no great character change, although the dog may be quieter. A good watchdog will still be a good watchdog and bark at strangers. Ability to guard your territory is not altered.

Will it cure him of viciousness, biting, etc.?
Maybe. It depends on the dog and the nature of his aggression. If it is due to hormone-related dominance, the chances are good that he will bite less after castration. If he is aggressive while "guarding" his territory then he will usually keep doing so. (Talk to one of our vets if you have this sort of problem.)
NB: The dog's temperament may remain the same for up to two months after the operation. The change is not immediate and he may still want to wander and mount bitches at first.

At what age should he be castrated?
We recommend that this operation takes place at 12 - 14 weeks of age. If your dog has been used for breeding and you now want him neutered, there is no problem with performing the operation on older dogs. click here for more information on early neutering.

What does the operation involve?
The dog is placed under general anaesthetic so that he is deeply asleep and will feel nothing. The skin prepared and the surgeon removes the testicles with sterile instruments. The incision is closed with either non-absorbable or absorbable sutures.

How long after the operation is the patient himself again?
It does not take long - usually after two days he is back to normal.

What precautions do I take after surgery?
Do not allow your dog to jump or exercise vigorously until the stitches are removed or your veterinarian says that it is OK. There should be no games or forced exercise for the first week.

Will my dog become fat?
Castration is unlikely to cause your dog to become overweight. However, sensible feeding and adequate exercise are important to maintain your neutered dog in top shape!!

Spaying Your Dog

What is meant by "spaying"?
Spaying, is the term applied to the operation in which the ovaries and uterus are removed from the female dog (bitch). The object of spaying is to stop the bitch from coming on heat and reproducing.

Should your female be spayed?
There are four main advantages in having your bitch neutered:

It avoids the bitch coming into heat twice a year, with the accompanying messy discharges and invasion by all the neighbourhood dogs who can smell a bitch in season literally kilometres away
Dogs are extremely persevering in their attempts to gain access to and mate any bitch on heat (in season), thus neutering prevents unwanted attention of this sort and any potential damage to your property
Neutering prevents unwanted pups - population control in our pets is a very real and serious problem
Spaying greatly reduces the likelihood of mammary & Ovarian tumours
Spaying your bitch will also prevent false pregnancies, a condition sometimes seen two months after a season.

Should my bitch have a litter before being neutered?
No. Well-meaning people may tell you that your bitch should have a litter of puppies or at least a heat period before she is neutered. There is no clinical evidence to support the view that this enhances her "female" characteristics.

At what age should she be neutered?
The female dog will come into heat anytime from 6 months of age onwards, depending on the size of the dog. Small breeds usually come on heat at about six months of age, while larger breeds may not start until nine to ten months of age. We recommend that this operation takes place at 12 - 14 weeks of age click here for more information on early neutering.

What does the operation involve?
The spay operation, or ovariohysterectomy (meaning the ovaries and part of the uterus are removed) is performed while the dog is asleep under general anaesthetic. Consequently, she will not feel anything during the procedure.

The instruments are sterilised and the skin is prepared before the surgeon opens the abdomen, thereby minimising bacterial contamination. Both ovaries and the uterus are removed. The abdomen is closed using suture material that dissolves and is absorbed by the body. The skin is usually sutured with stitches that have to be removed in 10-14 days. (For more information about what happens in preparation for surgery, click here.)

How long after the operation before the patient is herself again?
It does not take long. After 3 days she is usually back to normal.

What precautions should I take after surgery?
Do not allow your bitch to jump or exercise vigorously until the stitches are removed. There should be no games or forced exercise for the first week.

Neutering is unlikely to cause your dog to become overweight. However, sensible feeding and adequate exercise are important to maintain your neutered dog in top shape!