Pet Neutering

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Pet neutering is a medical procedure that can only be carried out by a vet, and along with a whole host of health benefits, it prevents pets from unwanted pregnancies and being able to reproduce.

Pet neutering is also referred to as castration in male pets and spaying in female pets, both operations are very safe and usually come with no complications as it is a simple procedure for a trained vet to be able to carry out.

At what age should I have my pet neutered?

Pet neutering and the best age for it to be carried out can vary from pet to pet, but as a rule female dogs can be spayed from as early as 6 months old. Male dogs can be neutered from about 6/7 months old. Once a cat has had its first vaccinations, it is safe to have them neutered so from as young as 4 months, but up to any age so do not worry if you have not had it done straight away.

Advantages of pet neutering

There are many advantages of pet neutering, the main ones being it can help aggressive behaviour in dogs, certain types of breeds will experience aggressive and domineering behaviour before it is neutered. An unneutered pet is more likely to express their frustration and can display embarrassing behaviour such as mounting objects, people, and other animals. In female dogs when they are in season, they will produce fluid for up to 3 weeks, having them neutered stops this. Female cats come into heat every 3 weeks during their breeding season and some cats can become quite vocal and are constantly calling, having your pet neutered will stop all the above issues.

Also, pet neutering can prevent many types of cancer and other unwanted health problems.

Side effects of pet neutering

There is a false perception that your pet could put on weight once they have been neutered, but this is a myth and any weight gain after the procedure will probably be down to giving them too many treats, not the neutering procedure.

Vets advice

Always ask your vet for advice on this subject, they are the experts and will be able to point you in the right direction about what is best for you and your pet.

A black french bulldog

 

Veterinary referrals

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What is a veterinary referral?

When your pet is ill, you take them to vets, and you trust their advice and expertise. However, in many complicated cases, a vet will refer you to a specialist in order for your pet to benefit from the best diagnosis of the condition/ illness or disease as well as treatment a referral centre has to offer.

However, a referral can take place in two ways – you can be referred by a vet or you can ‘self-refer’ your pet. However, usually, it is the vet that decides on the referral due to them not being able to provide the extensive knowledge needed, the expertise or in many cases, do not have the facilities to treat your pet correctly.

Cartoon Vet and Dog

How do I arrange an appointment to see a referral vet?

9 times out of 10, your vet which referred you, will walk you through the process and discuss with you everything you need to know about the referral centre they have referred you to and how you go about getting an appointment. However, it is important to remember that you do not need to follow your vet’s recommendations because as we stated earlier, you can refer your pet yourself. Do your research and find out what referral centre you would like to take your pet too.

How much does it cost for a veterinary referral?

We all know that any service which involves a vet is not cheap, however, referral services do tend to be more costly than any other veterinary appointment, procedure or treatment. This is because the cases are a lot more complicated and complex and therefore require an advanced amount of expertise and use of equipment.

Usually, the referral centre will discuss costs and fees with you before any procedure or treatment has been carried out, so you are able to make a decision beforehand.

We often get asked whether insurance policies cover the costs or some of the costs from a veterinary referral, however this will depend on the insurance company your pet is insured with and the type of cover you have. It would be worthwhile checking with your insurance previous to any appointments, procedures or treatments are carried out to know whether or not the costs are covered.

Pet Dental Care

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Pet Dental Care is a huge part of being a responsible pet owner. Brushing your dog and cat’s teeth is the best way to look after your pet’s dental hygiene.

A dog smiling

Pet Dental Care Routine

Getting your dog or cat used to a pet dental care routine is not easy, it should be started when they are young and done slowly so that your dog or cat gets used to the procedure of having their teeth cleaned.

First, we would suggest you allow your pet to get used to you looking at their mouth and gums, you can reward them with some fuss and attention when they let you do so. Make it fun and a playful game and then it will not be scary for them.

What toothpaste should I use to clean my pet’s teeth?

You should never use human toothpaste on your animals, there are special kinds of toothpaste out there that are formulated especially for dogs and cats.

You can put a tiny bit of (specially formulated for pets) toothpaste onto your finger and get your pet to sniff it and lick it to get them used to the taste. Once they are used to this, you can buy finger brushes so you can put some on your finger and gently brush your pets’ teeth and gums.

Future Dental Problems for your pet

If you can get your pet used to the tooth brushing process, it can save them any pain of toothache or gum disease in the future. It can also save you costly procedures at the vets in the future.

Dog Vaccinations

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There are lots of diseases in the UK that can affect dogs if they have not had their vaccinations. Dog vaccinations are the only way to ensure your dog is protected.

A dog with his tongue out

How often does my dog have to be vaccinated?

Most dog vaccinations need to be carried out regularly for them to be effective. Most are yearly, some can be every 3 to 4 years. Your vet will be able to advise you on as and when each dog vaccination must be administered.

A puppy will automatically have immunity, that has been passed over from its mother’s milk. The immunity will not last long though which is why vaccinations are necessary.

Diseases that must be vaccinated against

There are many diseases that dogs need to be protected against. Things such as canine parvovirus, this is a disease that can potentially be fatal. Kennel cough is another disease that dogs can catch and pass onto other dogs. Canine distemper is another usually fatal disease that dogs are susceptible to. Another fatal disease that your dog will need protection from is infectious hepatitis.

Contact your vet

A vet will be able to tell you which dog vaccinations are required, and when. Some veterinary practices will offer package deals to make the dog vaccinations more affordable.

If a dog has not been vaccinated regularly it at risk of picking up something that could have been avoided. As a responsible dog owner, it is your responsibility to make sure for your dog and other dogs that he is protected. It is not law to have your dog vaccinated, vets do say that it is the pet owner’s decision as to whether they do this or not.

Pet Neutering – Dog & Cat

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Pet neutering is something you should strongly consider when looking to buy or adopt a pet. There are numerous health benefits for your dog or cat as well as helping reduce unwanted pet behaviours. Pet neutering is a responsible step as a dog or cat owner.

All neutering operations are carried out under general anaesthetic and animals recover within weeks.

Neutering for Male Dogs and Cats

Male dogs can be neutered from 6 months old onwards, kittens mature very early so the procedure can be done from 4 months onwards. If you adopt a cat later in their life, it is good to know the surgery can be performed at any age. The recovery time is usually 5-7 days depending on the breed.

Benefits of Pet Neutering

  • Castration prevents the risk of impregnating females
  • Prevents the risk of testicular tumours and prostatic problems
  • Reduces hypersexual behaviour, such as mounting/humping
  • Can reduce aggression displays to other male dogs

Neutering/Spaying for Female Dogs and Cats

Female Pet Neutering or Spaying can be completed around 6 months old, or after their first season. This is a slightly more complex operation so requires a longer time to heal. They need to rest for at least two weeks with consistent pain relief.

Benefits of Female Neutering/Spaying

  • Spaying female dogs prevent the risk of unwanted pregnancy and phantom pregnancies
  • Prevents risk associated with mammary tumour and uterus infections

pet neutering