Neutering in bitches can take place any time after 6 months of age.  The ovaries and uterus are removed by an abdominal incision, this will prevent any further seasons or pregnancy.  Bitches have seasons approx.. every 6-7 months and they often have a straw-coloured to bloody discharge for around 2-3 weeks. 

We prefer to wait 3 months after the end of their first season, that way the blood vessels are at their smallest making surgery safer and they shouldn’t be having a false pregnancy. 

Neutering before 6 months means that there is a higher anaesthetic risk, bone development hasn’t finished making the risk of joint disease higher and they have underdeveloped sexual organs and behaviours.  It is a common misconception that bitches should have a litter before being neutered.

Advantages:

• Some studies suggest there is a reduction in risk of mammary tumours (risk is related to the number of hormonal cycles a bitch has, of which 45% are cancerous). 
• Prevents ovarian or uterine tumours.
• Prevents pyometra (womb infection) which is most common in middle aged to older unneutered females and is potentially fatal.
• No need to keep the bitch separated from other dogs to prevent accidental mating.
• No unwanted litters – there are enough dogs in rescue centres in need of good homes.

 Disadvantages:

• Obesity is more common, this is because the energy requirement reduces by approx.. 25% post neutering so owners have to reduce calorie intake to account for this.
• Urinary incontinence.  This is a potential risk with the surgery and those neutered before 6 months old have a higher risk, predisposed breeds include Dobermann, Rottweiler, Old English Sheepdog and Spaniels.
• Dominance aggression can affect some females that are neutered early.
• Coat quality is often coarser and drier.
• Prevents any future breeding.
• General surgical risks.