Male dogs can be neutered from six months of age though we often recommend waiting until they start to ‘cock’ their leg. If male dogs are not neutered they are likely to:

• Develop unwanted sexual behaviour
• Roam
• Become dominant or aggressive
• Develop prostate disease later in life

Female dogs are usually neutered (or spayed) three to four months after their first season though they can be neutered before their first season if necessary.

Bitches are neutered to prevent:

• Unwanted pregnancy
• ‘False’ pregnancy (milk production)
• Pyometra (womb infection). Pyometra can be life threatening if not treated promptly.
• Mammary tumours. (If bitches are spayed before their second season their chances of developing mammary tumours later in life are greatly reduced.)