Dogs
Spaying: bitches can generally be spayed from 6 months of age unless they are of some larger breeds (see list below), or have been docked..... we recommend that these bitches have one season before being spayed. Spaying is then arranged 2-3 months after the first season has ended.
Breeds that should be allowed to have one season before elective spaying include: Old English Sheepdogs, Rottweilers, Dobermanns, Weimeraners, Giant Schnauzers, Boxers, and Irish Setters.
Early spaying of bitches can help prevent ovarian and womb disease later in life and (if done before the 2nd season) has a dramatic protective effect against mammary cancer. It will also prevent the inconvenience of seasons and unwanted pregnancies.
Castration: we do not routinely advise the castration of all male dogs. However, it may be advisable to curb any undesirable behavioural "male" traits (such as aggression or randiness) which may become more and more apparent by 6 months of age. Castration may also help prevent certain diseases such as prostatic (and testicular!) cancer. If indicated, we normally would electively castrate dogs between 6 and 8 months of age.
Cats
The neutering of all pet cats is strongly advised and this can be done from 4 months of age if necessary.
Spaying of female cats stops unwanted pregnancies and the inconvenience of seasons every 3 weeks in the spring/summer.
Castration of male cats will generally help prevent urine spraying in the house and fighting behaviour.
Rabbits
The spaying and castration of pet rabbits is recommended and can be done from 4 months of age. Un-neutered females can be very aggressive and also run a 40% risk of developing womb cancer later in life.
Ferrets
The neutering of all pet ferrets is recommended. Unneutered female ferrets run a high risk of being permanently in season (unless they are mated) and this can cause a fatal anaemia. Spaying prevents this. Another method to control this problem is to use a vasectomised hob (male) ferret to mate with the female.The castration of male ferrets will help reduce fighting behaviour and the smell.
