Overview
Neutering (spaying for females, castration for males) is a routine surgical procedure that removes the reproductive organs. It offers numerous health and behavioral benefits for your pet while helping to control the pet population.
At TKVets, we perform neutering procedures with modern anaesthetics and comprehensive pain management to ensure your pet's comfort and safety throughout the process.
Benefits of Neutering
For Female Pets
- Prevents unwanted pregnancies
- Eliminates the risk of pyometra (womb infection)
- Greatly reduces the risk of mammary tumors
- No heat cycles
For Male Pets
- Reduces roaming and territorial marking
- Decreases aggression toward other males
- Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer
- Reduces prostate problems
What to Expect
- Pre-Operative Check: We assess your pet's health before surgery
- Fasting Required: No food from the night before (water allowed until morning)
- Modern Anesthesia: Safe, monitored anaesthesia throughout the procedure
- Pain Relief: Comprehensive pain management before, during, and after surgery
- Same-Day Discharge: Most pets go home the same day with clear after-care instructions
After-Care
Recovery is typically straightforward:
- Keep your pet quiet and indoors for 7-10 days
- Prevent licking or chewing at the wound (we may provide a collar if needed)
- Monitor the incision daily for signs of infection
- Give pain medication as prescribed
- Return for a post-operative check if required
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best age to neuter my pet?
For most cats and small breed dogs, we typically recommend neutering at around 6 months of age, before they reach sexual maturity. However, optimal timing can vary significantly based on your pet's breed, size, and individual health circumstances. Large and giant breed dogs may benefit from waiting until 12-18 months to allow for complete skeletal development. During your pre-neutering consultation, we'll carefully assess your pet's specific situation and provide personalised advice on the ideal timing for their procedure.
Will neutering change my pet's personality?
Neutering does not fundamentally alter your pet's core personality, temperament, or affectionate nature. Your pet will remain just as loving, playful, and loyal as before the procedure. What neutering can reduce are specific hormone-driven behaviours such as roaming in search of mates, territorial urine marking, and aggression toward other animals, particularly males. These changes generally make pets easier to live with whilst preserving all the wonderful personality traits that make them unique members of your family.
Is neutering safe?
Yes, neutering is an extremely safe and routine surgical procedure that we perform regularly with excellent outcomes. We utilise modern anaesthetic agents, comprehensive patient monitoring equipment throughout the procedure, and proven surgical techniques to minimise any potential risks. Before surgery, we conduct thorough health assessments to ensure your pet is fit for anaesthesia. Whilst all surgical procedures carry some inherent risk, serious complications from neutering are exceptionally rare, and the long-term health benefits substantially outweigh these minimal risks.
Will my pet gain weight after neutering?
Neutered pets may experience a slight decrease in their metabolic rate and energy requirements following the procedure, which can predispose them to weight gain if their diet remains unchanged. However, post-neutering weight gain is entirely preventable through appropriate portion control, feeding a balanced diet suitable for neutered pets, and maintaining regular exercise routines. We'll provide specific dietary advice tailored to your pet's individual needs following their neutering procedure to help you keep them at a healthy weight throughout their life.