What is neutering?

Neutering is a simple operation to prevent male and female dogs reproducing. In males it is called ‘castration’, and in females ‘spaying’. Both are routine operations carried out under general anaesthetic with only minimal risks associated to them. Recovery time is usually around 10 days for females and less for males.

When should it be done?

Most vets will neuter from around the age of four months. It can be done at any time, although the best time for male dogs is between four and eighteen months. Female dogs should be spayed either before their first season or 3 months after to best prevent unwanted pregnancy, womb infections and cancers developing later on.

How much does it cost?

Typically neutering can cost from £60 and will vary from vet to vet. Dogs Trust regional subsidised neutering campaign offers cheaper neutering for dog owners receiving means-tested benefits.

What are the benefits of neutering your dog?

• Behaviour
  - Calmer, more predictable behaviour – making dogs more suitable as family pets
  - Reduces aggressive & unwanted sexual behaviour, e.g. mounting & being destructive
  - Less likely to mark territory or stray
  - Less likely to run off looking for a mate
• Health
  - Avoids inconvenience of messy seasons (and having to keep away any male dogs that may be interested in her!)
  - Early neutering can reduce risk of some cancers developing in male and female dogs
  - Stops bitches suffering from potentially fatal womb infections (pyometras)
  - Pregnancy can bring health risks for some bitches
• Money
  - Neutering prevents costs of unplanned pregnancies & raising puppies
  - By preventing accidents caused by unruly behaviour, can avoid costly vets’ bills and damages
  

Common misconceptions

• Bitches must have 1 litter (or one season) before being spayed
  - Some vets will spay a bitch before her first season; others will wait until after the first season to confirm sexual maturity.
  - No health reasons to allow the first season or a litter.
  - Is often in the first season that bitches get ‘caught’ as their owners haven’t realised they were in season!
• My dog will put on weight
  - Not necessarily. As long as the dog is fed sensibly & gets enough exercise they will not put on weight.
• It’s not natural
  - Neither is keeping dogs as domestic pets! In the wild, dogs would have to hunt for their own food & get exercise through hunting; we now provide food and exercise for our pet dogs.
  - Neutering serves to stop our pet dogs reproducing or becoming frustrated, which in turn makes them happier.

If you have any further questions about neutering and how it can affect your dog, please call our London office on 020 7837 0006 or:

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How does microchipping work?

Microchipping is a very simple procedure to ensure that should your dog go missing, he can be traced back to you.

A tiny microchip is placed under the skin between the dog’s shoulder blades with a needle (much like having an injection).

The chip has its own ID number, and details about the dog & its owners contact details are logged onto a nationwide database.

If the dog is picked up by the police or a dog warden, they can then ‘scan’ the dog to see if it has been chipped – and if they find a chip, they can find his owner by checking the ID number against the database.

How much does it cost?

Most veterinary practices can now microchip your dog, along with a growing number of local authorities and animal welfare groups. You can expect to pay between £20 and £30.

Dogs Trust currently provides a reduced price microchipping service at £9.50.  For pensioners and for those who are claiming any means tested benefits it is completely free. If you live within one of our campaign regions you can find out about any chipping initiatives set up by your local council. Contact your local campaign team to find out more.

Benefits of microchipping your dog

As a dog owner you are under legal obligation to make your dog visibly identifiable by means of a collar and tag. Microchipping, in addition to the collar and tag, is a permanent method to ensure your dog's safe return should they ever go missing.