Written in collaboration with vets
We have a special bond with dogs and want to ensure they grow up happy and healthy. Neutering your dog is one of their key life milestones and is important for health reasons and preventing unwanted litters. This article will cover everything you need to know about when to neuter a dog and when to spay a dog according to UK guidelines. It is important to note that recommended neutering/spaying ages can vary depending on a dog’s health, size and breed. Your local vet will be able to provide more detailed guidance on the best age to neuter your dog depending on their breed. Unless you’re planning to breed from your dog, you should have them neutered sooner rather than later. It’s a straightforward way to prevent unwanted puppies, and it can also improve their health.
Neutering refers to a procedure that prevents your pet from breeding by removing their reproductive organs. In male dogs, the testicles are removed and this is called castration. During neutering, female dogs are spayed, which involves the removal of the ovaries and uterus. The best age to neuter a male or female dog can vary, but you should look into this sooner rather than later.
Neutering is important for many reasons, specifically preventing unwanted litters. Neutered and spayed dogs also live longer, healthier lives due to many other health and behavioural benefits associated with neutering.
Some people can be concerned about having their pet neutered – they may believe it’s only fair for dogs to have one litter, which is a myth! While an operation isn’t the most pleasant experience for pets, your puppy won’t be squeamish like you are, because they can’t understand what is happening. Neutering could help your dog live a longer and healthier life. You can ask for advice from your vet on what is best for your dog, they can also advise on what age is best to neuter your dog.
In the UK most dogs can be neutered at around four to six months old at the earliest. Talk to your vet about spaying your female dog when they are between five and six months old. Female dogs are spayed before their first season or three months after. However, when a dog can be neutered depends on breed, size, physical development and behavioural maturity. For example, if your dog is a large or giant breed, your vet may advise waiting a little longer to neuter them, this is because their development takes longer. Always contact your vet for the best advice about the right age to neuter your dog.
Talk to your vet about spaying when your dog is five or six months old. Generally, female dogs are spayed before their first season or three months after. However, the best time to spay a dog also depends on their breed and size. Spaying prevents womb infections and false pregnancies, it also reduces the likelihood of mammary problems.
Males can successfully mate from around seven to eight months, so you should arrange to speak to your vet before your puppy is six months old. However, the best age to neuter a male dog can vary, depending on their breed and size. Neutering also prevents testicular cancer, reduces the likelihood of prostate problems and can reduce unwanted behaviours such as roaming.
There are a myriad of behavioural changes owners might notice after a male has been neutered. There are also many myths associated with neutering. So what is fact from fiction? We explore below.
Some people perpetuate myths that dogs feel sentimental about neutering, that male dogs feel emasculated by the procedure or that dogs long to have at least one litter before being neutered, this is not the case. Neutering your dog is the responsible thing to do, as it can help them lead a healthier and happier life for a multitude of reasons.
Veterinary professionals advocate for neutering to protect your dog’s health and welfare. Speaking with your vet directly is always the best way to make informed decisions about neutering your dog, their expert advice is invaluable and will help you ascertain when it's the best time to neuter your pet, based on their age, breed and overall health. They can also provide case studies on why neutering is so important. Ultimately, neutering can improve the behaviour and health of your dog.
Yes, you should spay your dog sooner rather than later but always do this after 3 months, with females, the timing of their heat cycle comes into play when deciding when to neuter them.
The average cost of neutering a dog in the UK ranges from £100 - £400, depending on various factors such as age, size, breed and sex. Ultimately, the health benefits of neutering greatly outweigh the costs associated, however, if you are struggling to pay the cost some animal charities may be able to help and offer discounted rates.
Yes, some behavioural changes can be expected when you neuter a male dog. These are overwhelmingly positive changes. Most importantly, castration prevents unwanted litters. Neutering your male dog also reduces roaming in search of females and unwanted sexual behaviours such as mounting. It also prevents serious health problems like testicular cancer in male dogs.
The best age to neuter a male dog varies, however, dogs are usually neutered when they’re between 6 months of age and 2 years old. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t neuter a 2-year-old dog as neutering can promote health and behavioural benefits at any age as long as your dog is healthy. Speak to your vet for more advice based on your dog’s age, breed, size, behaviour and health.
While neutering has many health benefits, it is not an easy fix for hyperactive or reactive dogs. Some dogs will experience a decrease in this behaviour after neutering and some may not. If you neuter your dog earlier rather than later, these hormone-influenced behaviours are less likely to become routine. Your vet can provide more advice and may also suggest that you visit a behaviourist to help you train your dog.
If you are still unsure if you want to neuter your dog or not, you can discuss neutering with your vet, they will answer all your questions. Neutering is important for many reasons, specifically preventing unwanted litters. Neutered and spayed dogs also live longer, happier and healthier lives. The best age to neuter a male dog, as advised by UK vets, is generally around six months old. However, this depends on their breed, size, physical development and behavioural maturity. Talk to your vet for the most accurate neutering guidance.
Remember, you’ll need to take extra care of your puppy the week after the operation – make sure that their stitches are kept clean and dry. Make sure you ask the vet for aftercare advice before you leave.
Are you looking for more information about caring for your beloved pooch? Check out our Pedigree® Dog Health Advice page for more expert advice.
