Surgery

Neutering Your Pet – What You Need to Know

Neutering (also known as spaying or castration) is one of the most common procedures we carry out for cats and dogs. However, for some pets neutering is not the best option.  At Bay Vet Group, we’re here to help you make an informed decision about the right time and approach for your pet using the latest research to guide us.

Different dog breeds have different evidence for the pros and cons of neutering so we always recommend booking an appointment with one of our veterinary surgeons to discuss the best option for your pet taking into account their individual situation and character.

Most cats will benefit from neutering for the following reasons:

• Prevents unwanted kittens, which is particularly important as cats can have several litters a year.

• Reduces the risk of infectious diseases spread through fighting or mating, such as FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus).

• Helps control spraying, calling, and roaming behaviours.

When to Neuter

The best age for neutering can depend on your pet’s breed, size, and individual health. As a general guide:

• Cats can usually be neutered from around 4 months of age.

• Dogs vary depending on their breed, size and individual character.  However, we often wait until they are at least 12 months old, though larger breeds may benefit from waiting even longer.

Our vets will advise you on the most appropriate timing for your pet.

The Procedure

Neutering is carried out under a general anaesthetic, and we take every precaution to keep your pet safe and comfortable. This includes:

• A tailored anaesthetic plan based on your pet’s health.

• Continuous monitoring by our trained veterinary nurses.

• Pain relief before, during, and after the procedure.

Most pets go home the same day and recover quickly with some rest and aftercare at home.

Aftercare

You’ll receive clear advice on caring for your pet following surgery, including:

• Keeping them quiet and restricting exercise for a short period.

• Monitoring the surgical site for healing.

• Returning for a post-operative check to make sure everything is progressing well.

If you’d like to discuss whether neutering is right for your pet, or you’d like advice on the best timing, please get in touch with Bay Vet Group — our team will be happy to guide you.