The decision to spay or neuter your pet is very important and could be the best decision you make for your pet’s long-term welfare.

At the Avenue Veterinary Centre, we believe neutering is financially sensible and the most responsible action to take if you don’t intend to breed from your pet. Not only will you avoid unwanted litters (they can be a handful, to say the least), the straightforward procedure can also prevent certain illnesses and behaviour.

Female cat neutering (spaying)

Queen cats come into season at around 6 months old so we advise spaying between 4 and 6 months of age.

Male cat neutering (castrating)

Tomcats not intended for breeding should be castrated. The stray cat population in Britain is growing rapidly. Castrated male cats also smell less, fight less and roam less. As a result, they pick up fewer infections. For instance, Feline Aids and FeLV, as well as the risk of road traffic accidents through roaming are reduced. Again 4 to 6 months old is a good age for the operations.

Female dog neutering (spaying) 

We recommend that bitches not intended for breeding should be spayed. We advise spaying your bitch around 3 months after her first season, which often means she will be about one year old. If allowing her to have a season is inconvenient then 6 months old is a good time.

Bitches often present later in life with reproductive problems – for instance, breast cancer or pyometra (pus in the womb) – many of which are removed or drastically reduced by early neutering.

Male dog neutering (castrating)

Male dogs can make good pets either castrated or entire. Dogs that show early signs of aggression should be considered for castration, although this will not guarantee the correction of the behavioural problem.

If you like would more information on neutering or to book an appointment call one of our experienced veterinary team on 01684 572 420 or email Avenue Veterinary Centre on info@avenue.vet.