Pet Neutering in West Wickham
At West Wickham Veterinary Practice, we know that choosing to neuter your pet is an important decision. Our friendly and experienced team is here to support you throughout the entire process.
Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or need a refresher, we offer safe, professional, and compassionate neutering services for cats, dogs, and small pets.
Understanding Pet Neutering in Dogs
Neutering is a routine procedure that prevents dogs from reproducing and can offer health and behavioural benefits. It includes:
- Castration – removal of the testicles in male dogs
- Spaying – removal of the ovaries (and sometimes the uterus) in female dogs
At West Wickham Veterinary Practice, we perform dog neutering safely under general anaesthetic. For female dogs, we also recommend a keyhole (laparoscopic) spay at our Elizabeth Street branch, which offers a minimally invasive option with quicker recovery.
Castration can help with certain behavioural issues, such as training difficulties, attracting aggression from other dogs, or excessive sexual behaviour, though many dogs don’t need it. We can advise whether neutering is right for your pet.
We also recommend lungworm prevention before neutering, as infection can increase bleeding risk during surgery.
Understanding Pet Neutering in Cats
Neutering is a routine procedure that prevents cats from reproducing and offers important health and behavioural benefits. It includes:
- Castration – removal of the testicles in male cats
- Spaying – removal of the ovaries (and sometimes the uterus) in female cats
At West Wickham Veterinary Practice, we perform cat neutering safely under general anaesthetic. Neutering helps prevent unwanted litters, reduces health risks, and can improve behaviour.
For male cats, castration is essential to prevent roaming, fighting, spraying in the home, and the spread of infections such as FIV, which is commonly transmitted through bite wounds. For female cats, spaying prevents unwanted pregnancies and reduces risks such as pyometra and certain cancers.
All cats should be neutered, usually at 5–6 months of age, and ideally before they start going outdoors. Our team is here to help keep your cat healthy, safe, and happy.
The Benefits of Neutering
Neutering provides many benefits for your pet’s health, behaviour, and overall wellbeing, including:
- Improved health – reduces the risk of reproductive diseases, infections, and some cancers
- Balanced behaviour – may decrease aggression, roaming, and other hormone-driven behaviours
- Prevents unwanted litters – helps avoid unexpected pregnancies and the need for rehoming
- Supports community pet welfare – contributes to controlling the local pet population and reducing shelter numbers
- More relaxed pets – neutered pets are often calmer and easier to manage at home
What is Involved in Neutering?
All neutering procedures at West Wickham Veterinary Practice include:
- Pre-surgical health check to ensure your pet is fit for anaesthetic and surgery
- Safe general anaesthetic administered by our experienced veterinary team
- Careful monitoring throughout the procedure and recovery
- Pain management and aftercare advice to keep your pet comfortable at home
- Follow-up check to ensure your pet is healing properly and staying healthy
The Procedures
Castration (Male Pets)
Castration is a routine surgical procedure that removes the testicles of male pets. It’s generally simple, with a short recovery period.
Castration can help:
- Prevent testicular cancer and reduce the risk of prostate issues
- Limit unwanted mating behaviours and urine marking
- Reduce aggression in certain pets
- Decrease roaming, helping to protect your pet from accidents or getting lost
Spaying (Female Pets)
Spaying is a standard surgical procedure that removes the ovaries, and sometimes the uterus, to prevent your female pet from going into heat and having litters.
Benefits of spaying include:
- Protection against uterine infections such as pyometra
- Reduced risk of mammary tumours, especially when performed before the first heat
- Elimination of bleeding and behavioural changes associated with heat cycles
- Prevention of unwanted pregnancies, supporting responsible pet population control
When is the Right Time to Spay or Castrate Your Pet?
The ideal age to spay or neuter your pet depends on their species, breed, and individual health. As a general guideline:
Cats
usually neutered between 4–6 months
Small to Medium Dogs
often neutered from 6 months
Large Breed Dogs
may benefit from waiting until 9–12 months or older
Rabbits
usually neutered from around 4 months
At West Wickham Veterinary Practice, we thoroughly evaluate your pet and recommend the safest, most suitable timing for their neutering procedure, prioritising their health and well-being at every step.
Why neuter your pet with West Wickham Veterinary Clinic?
Choosing a trusted veterinary team is essential, especially for surgery. At West Wickham Veterinary Practice, you can expect:
- Local, independent care with a personal approach in West Wickham
- Experienced surgical team who treat your pet like family
- Advice tailored to your pet’s breed, age, and lifestyle
- Clear guidance and support both before and after the procedure
- Modern, fully equipped facilities to ensure a safe and smooth experience
Neutering reduces health risks and unwanted behaviours, helping your pet live a longer, more comfortable life.
Pet Neutering FAQs
Is neutering painful for my pet?
Neutering is carried out under general anaesthetic, so your pet won’t feel pain during the surgery. At West Wickham Veterinary Practice, we also provide effective pain relief and clear aftercare guidance to make recovery as comfortable as possible.
How long does recovery take?
Most pets recover within 7–10 days. Our team will guide you through the healing process and provide follow-up care if needed to ensure a smooth recovery.
Will neutering change my pet’s personality?
Neutering may reduce hormone-driven behaviours such as roaming or marking, but your pet’s core personality remains unchanged. Many owners notice calmer and more affectionate behaviour afterward.
Are there any risks?
As with any surgery, there are small risks, but neutering is a very common and safe procedure when carried out by our experienced veterinary team.
Can I neuter an older pet?
Yes. Older pets can undergo neutering safely, although recovery may take slightly longer. We always assess your pet’s overall health first to ensure the procedure is appropriate.
How much does neutering cost?
Neutering costs vary depending on your pet’s species, size, and individual needs. Contact our friendly West Wickham team for a personalised quote, we’re happy to help.
