Neutering and spaying dogs: what you need to know

You might be considering getting your dog spayed or neutered, especially if they’re a puppy on their way to reaching puberty. There are quite a lot of things to consider before going ahead with it, as once it’s done you won’t be able to reverse the procedure.

This guide explains what neutering is, the benefits and potential risks, and what happens before, during, and after a dog neutering procedure. We also give tips for making your dog comfortable while recovering from the operation, and answer common questions around timing and costs, so you can make the best decision for you and your pet.

In this guide

1. What is neutering?
2. Why should I get my dog neutered?
3. When to spay or neuter a dog
4. What happens during neutering surgery?
5. Potential side effects after spaying or castration
6. Dog neutering recovery and aftercare tips
7. How much does neutering cost?
8. Is neutering covered by pet insurance?
9. Key takeaways

What is neutering?

‘Neutering’ refers to a surgical procedure that prevents pets from reproducing. Your dog will undergo different operations when they are neutered, depending on whether they’re male or female.

• Male dogs are castrated, which means their testicles are removed.
• Female dogs are spayed, where the ovaries and uterus (womb) are removed.

When a male’s testicles are removed it takes away the main source of testosterone, which means the effects of the hormone are also reduced, whereas removing a female’s uterus means she is unable to become pregnant.

These operations are performed under general anaesthesia and pets will be carefully monitored during and after surgery. Dogs might experience some discomfort following the surgery, but they will be given painkillers to control this, and they’ll usually be back to normal in no time at all.

Why should I get my dog neutered?

Many people wonder if getting their puppy spayed or neutered is the right choice for them. Below, we break down some of the key benefits of neutering in male and female dogs:

Benefits of spaying in female dogs

• Prevents unwanted pregnancies.
• Prevents pyometra, a serious and potentially life-threatening uterine infection.
• Greatly reduces the risk of mammary (breast) cancers.
• Stops seasons (heat cycles), meaning no bleeding, hormonal behavioural changes, or unwanted attention from male dogs.

Benefits of castration in male dogs

• Prevents testicular cancer.
• Reduces the risk of prostate problems.
• Can lower the drive to roam looking for a mate, reducing the risk of accidents or getting lost.
• May help reduce hormone-driven behaviours such as mounting, roaming, or marking.

Risks and considerations

While neutering a dog offers many benefits, there are some long-term risks to be aware of:

• Health risks (rare; breed/age-specific): Some studies report higher risks of certain cancers or joint problems in neutered dogs depending on age at surgery and breed. These remain uncommon overall however.
• Behaviour changes (uncommon; mixed evidence): Neutering may reduce roaming/mounting/marking in many dogs, but large reviews also report higher odds of fear/anxiety (and in some cases, certain aggression types), particularly in some female dogs and again with specific surgical timings. The majority of neutered and spayed dogs do not develop new serious behaviour problems.
• Weight gain (common but manageable): Weight gain is one of the most common side effects, as calorie requirements often drop post-surgery due to hormonal changes. It’s important for owners to adjust diet and exercise to manage this.

Important: Though complications are rare, all surgeries carry an element of risk, which is something you’ll have the opportunity to discuss with your vet prior to getting your dog spayed or neutered.

When to spay or neuter a dog

Dogs can usually be neutered or spayed when they’re still a puppy - at around six months old. However, the exact timing may depend on their sex, size, and breed:

• Some vets recommend allowing a female dog to have her first season before being spayed, while others may recommend earlier to manage breed-specific health risks or accidental pregnancy.
• Larger breeds may benefit from waiting until they are fully grown, as early neutering has been linked to joint issues.
• Behaviour and maturity should also be considered: puppy adolescence (around 6–18 months) is a time of boundary testing and heightened hormones, so timing neutering around this stage can be important.

Before you make any decisions, your vet will discuss your dog’s specific needs with you and help you to come up with the best neutering plan for your pooch.

What happens during neutering surgery?

For many dogs, this will be their very first operation, so it’s normal for owners to feel anxious. Knowing what happens at each stage can help you feel reassured.

Before the operation

Before your dog is spayed or neutered, you’ll have to check with your vet as to when it’s safe to stop feeding your dog the night before the operation. 
On the morning of the procedure, you may be asked to stop your dog from drinking water a couple of hours prior to their appointment.

During the operation

• Your dog is given a sedative to help them relax, followed by a general anaesthetic so they sleep throughout.
• The surgical site is clipped and cleaned.
• A small cut (incision) is made:
  On the tummy for females, to remove the ovaries and womb.
  Near the scrotum for males, to remove the testicles.
• While your dog is under anaesthetic, a trained vet nurse closely monitors:
  Breathing rate
  Reflexes
  Temperature
  Blood oxygen levels and other vital signs
• Once the neutering procedure is complete, the vet carefully stitches the wound in layers and checks everything is secure before your dog is woken up.

After the operation

Your dog will be placed in a warm, comfortable kennel and monitored closely by the nursing team.

Some dogs recover quickly, while others may be a little sleepy for 24–48 hours. Once your vet is happy, you’ll be given homecare advice and pain relief for your dog before they are discharged.

You’ll usually have post-op checks at ~2–3 days and 7–10 days; stitches (if non-dissolvable) are often removed 7–14 days after surgery.

Potential side effects after spaying or castration

Most dogs recover well within 10-14 days. The most common immediate side effects are sleepiness, mild nausea/drooling, and minor wound redness/swelling. Weight gain is another common side effect but this can be managed by changing your dog’s diet or exercise routine.

You may also notice some behavioural changes, for example, temporary mounting behaviours or aggression. Over time, this behaviour and any previous hormone-linked behaviours may change (e.g., roaming can reduce), but training is still needed for learned habits.

If you’re worried about your dog’s recovery after spaying or castration, you should contact your vet. Take note of the following symptoms in particular, as these may indicate a problem:

• Excessive or prolonged drooling (from anaesthetic-related nausea)
• Redness, swelling, or warmth around the incision
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Breathing issues (seen more commonly in flat-faced breeds)

Dog neutering recovery and aftercare advice

Aftercare is crucial to keep your dog safe and comfortable while they heal. Here’s how you can help your dog on the road to recovery:

1. Prevent your dog from licking or scratching the wound

Here are a few options available to protect your dog from their own desire to scratch and lick their surgical wound:

• ‘Cone of shame’ or Elizabethan collar (‘E-collar’): The classic plastic cone that stops your dog reaching their stitches. It should reach at least an inch past the nose.
• Inflatable collar: Softer and more comfortable than a cone, and doesn’t get in the way of eating or drinking.
• Protective pet suit or shirt: A full-body covering recommended by many vets that allows your dog to behave more normally while keeping the wound safe. For small dogs, a modified baby grow can sometimes work.

Tip: Make sure whichever option you choose fits properly. If a cone is used, you should be able to slip two fingers between it and your dog’s neck.

2. Monitor your dog’s surgical site

Take a photo each day to track healing. The wound should look clean and gradually improve. You should take note of the following signs:

• Hard or soft swelling
• Bleeding
• Discharge (pus)
• Bad smells

These can all be indications of a possible infection or other complications, so you should contact your vet if they’re showing any of these symptoms.

3. Keep your dog comfortable at home

Sleep: Expect them to be very sleepy on the day of surgery, and tired for a couple of days afterwards. Let them rest on clean, cosy bedding.

Eating & drinking: Some dogs may not eat much at first. Offer small, bland meals (e.g. plain chicken and rice) if advised. Make sure they always have fresh water.

Stress: Surgery disrupts routine, which can make some dogs anxious. Vets may prescribe calming aids (tablets or plug-ins) if needed.

4. Pain relief

Always use the pain medication prescribed by your vet and follow the dosage instructions. Never give your pet human medication, as many are toxic to dogs.

5. Limit movement

• No long walks or play for at least a few days - just short, on-lead toilet breaks.
• Keep your dog away from stairs, furniture, or opportunities for jumping and zoomies.
• A crate or playpen can help keep them safe, especially overnight.
• Use ramps if your dog normally jumps on furniture.

Recovery is quicker if your dog is calm and still. For small dogs that need picking up, lift them carefully: one hand under the chest, the other supporting their hindquarters, to avoid straining the wound.

Is spay recovery the same as castration recovery in dogs?

Recovery after spaying and castration is quite similar, but spaying is usually a more invasive operation because it involves surgery inside the abdomen. For this reason, female dogs that have been spayed can take longer to recover (up to 14 days), as opposed to the 7-10 day average in castrated males.

Both are routine, safe procedures, and with rest and vet check-ups most dogs recover smoothly.

How much does neutering cost?

According to The Kennel Club, the cost of neutering your dog in the UK is between £100-£400. This varies depending on factors such as:

• Whether you have a male or female dog (spaying is typically more expensive)
• The size and breed of your dog
• The prices at your local veterinary practice

You will be able to check specific costs with your vet beforehand. Some vets offer payment plans, and charities may provide vouchers or low-cost neutering schemes. It’s always worth shopping around asking for quotes from local practices before making a decision.

Is neutering covered by pet insurance?

Routine, preventative or elective procedures aren’t usually covered by pet insurance policies as they can be budgeted for and are all part of being a responsible pet owner.

Remember: As part of our routine procedure exclusions, Animal Friends won’t cover claims for retained testes in pets.

If you have any concerns about the costs, you could speak to your vet about setting up a payment plan.

Key takeaways

• Neutering or spaying a dog helps prevent unwanted litters and can protect against serious illnesses.
• The right age to neuter depends on breed, sex, size and health. Your vet will let you know what your best option is.
• Recovery is typically 10–14 days with wound care, rest and check-ups.
• Pet insurance doesn’t typically cover dog neutering procedures, but cost help may be available.
• Behaviour changes after neutering a dog vary. Some dogs calm down but others may develop new anxieties, though this is uncommon.

Speak to a vet anytime

For expert advice from the comfort of your home, any time day or night, download the Joii Pet Care app and chat to a vet about neutering your pet!

Related resources

Guide to dog pregnancy
Guide to heat cycles in dogs
All dog health advice