Dogs reach maturity between 8 and 10 months of age and will start to be interested in bitches to mate with at this time.

What is castration?

Castration is the removal of both testicles.

Do I need to castrate my dog?

A dog does not need to be routinely castrated. We would only recommend that a dog is castrated if they wander, are over-sexed or pine when a bitch is on heat nearby.

Castration may also help stop marking, aggressive and territorial behaviour. Older dogs tend to continue to behave in the same manner as they previously did but may settle down after time. Advice on behaviour can be given by our behaviorist.

Are there any side effects?

Obesity is the main side effect in a castrated male dog although this can be controlled by feeding a correct diet. Advise can be given on feeding by one of our pet health advisers.

What are the advantages of castration?

If you have a male dog that is over-sexed and tends to wander looking for bitches this should stop. It can have a behavioural effect.

The day of the operation?

Dogs are admitted between 8.00 a.m. And 8.30 a.m. On the morning of the operation or after an appointment if they have not been seen recently.

They should not be fed after 8.00 p.m. The night before the operation but can have water overnight.

After a thorough examination a sedative will be given to help relax the dog prior to surgery. A full anaesthetic is given to allow surgery to be performed. During the operation and recovery period, patients are monitored by our trained nursing staff with the aid of equipment.

Testicles are both removed through a small incision in front of the scrotum.

How long is recovery?

Dogs usually go home on the same day as the operation and recover fairly quickly. Exercise should be restricted for one week, by this time most dogs are fully recovered and back to normal.