Neutering is the process by which pets are surgically prevented from reproducing. In the case of males the operation involved is termed castration, in females it is called spaying. A dog can be castrated at any age but it is generally thought best to wait until he is physically mature before doing so. This can vary from 6 months to 1.5 years depending on the breed. Smaller breeds mature much quicker. In bitches spaying is normally done after the first season.

Despite many myths on the subject veterinary experts confirm that neutering has many life-affirming benefits for pets:

• Neutering does not cause fat pets. A dog’s ability to metabolise its food will lessen and it is necessary to feed smaller portions of food than before.
• It is not ’good’ for a bitch to have at least one litter before being spayed, if anything there is more risk to them during pregnancy than if they were spayed after the first season.
• Neutering does not change a dog’s personality. Some unwanted behaviours may cease - such as excessive territory marking, straying away from home, destructiveness and mounting in male dogs.
• Neutering reduces the risk of womb infections and false pregnancies in older females pets. It also saves them from mood swings during season.
• Neutering does not reduce the efficiency of a working dog. It frees them from hormonal changes and frustrations leaving them better able to concentrate on their work.

Neutering is not expensive and it’s much cheaper than feeding a litter of puppies for a lifetime. Your local veterinary surgeon will be able to advise you on the cost of the procedure.