What does neutering mean?

Neutering is a routine surgical procedure performed by veterinarians. In male dogs, it is referred to as castration, and in females as spaying. The operation permanently prevents reproduction. Neutering procedures are performed daily in veterinary practices.

Neutering is done under a general anaesthetic, so your dog will be fast asleep and won’t feel any pain. In males, the testicles are removed, and in females, the ovaries and uterus are removed. Some females have a keyhole version of the surgery performed, where only the ovaries are removed. For Cockapoo’s, neutering is straightforward, and complications are very uncommon.

Why do vets recommend neutering?

Neutering offers many benefits for dogs and their owners, including:

• Population control

• Helping to prevent unplanned litters and reduce the number of abandoned or homeless dogs.

• Behavioural considerations

  • May help reduce certain behaviours, like roaming, urine marking and humping.

  • Behavioural changes can vary between pups, and neutering is not a solution for all behavioural concerns! 

  • In sensitive breeds like Cockapoos, underlying shyness or nervousness can appear as aggression. And any behaviour driven by fear can become worse after neutering.

  • Talk to your vet to help decide on the best timing of neutering for your Cockapoo.

• Health benefits

  • In females, spaying prevents pyometras (a serious and potentially life-threatening womb infection). It also reduces the risk of mammary tumours (especially if done before the dog reaches 2 years old).

  • In males, neutering prevents testicular tumours and reduces the risk of prostate disease.

How neutering may affect behaviour in dogs

While neutering can be helpful in some cases, it’s important to understand that it is not a solution for all behaviour problems. In some dogs, neutering may even make certain behaviours worse, such as increased nervousness or sensitivity. This is why it is important to have a thorough discussion with your vet before deciding on neutering a dog with existing behavioural concerns.

Neutering mainly affects hormone-driven behaviours, such as territorial urine marking or increased attention-seeking when females are in season. It won’t resolve issues like anxiety, fear-based aggression, excessive barking, or problems linked to poor training. These types of behaviours usually need professional behavioural support and plenty of patience and consistency.

Cockapoos, in particular, are often emotionally intuitive dogs who are highly in tune with their people and environment. Their perceptive nature makes them wonderfully affectionate companions, but they can also be more affected by stress or uncertainty. So it is important to address these concerns before deciding on neutering.

On the plus side, it’s a common myth that neutering changes a dog’s personality. Your dog will still be the same individual, neutering does not alter who they are, only some hormone-related behaviours.

When is the right time to neuter a dog?

The timing of neutering your dog is really important. Your vet will help you decide the best time based on your Cockapoo’s size, behaviour and overall health. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, which is why this discussion is so important.

• Age: Recent research suggests that the ideal timing can vary widely, ranging from six months to two years or more, depending on the individual dog.

• Breed size: It’s often recommended to neuter toy and small breeds earlier, around 6-9 months. Larger breeds may benefit from waiting until 12-24 months to reduce the risk of joint problems later in life. Cockapoos typically fall into the small-to-medium category, but their size can vary depending on the type of Poodle they come from, which can vary and influence neutering advice.

• Individual health factors: Earlier neutering may be advised for certain medical conditions, such as cryptorchidism (undescended testicles). In female dogs (particularly larger breeds), spaying very early can increase the risk of urinary incontinence. Waiting until around 7–18 months old may help reduce this risk. Your vet can assess your individual pup.

• Reproductive cycle: Females should wait until 3 months after they’ve had a season to reduce the risk of severe bleeding during the operation.
  

What to expect on the day

1. Preparation: Your pup will receive a sedative to help them relax. This is followed by a general anaesthetic so they sleep comfortably and pain-free throughout the procedure.

2. Surgery:

• Male dogs: The vet makes a small wound near the scrotum and removes both testicles.

• Female dogs: The vet makes a wound in the tummy, starting near the umbilicus (belly button), to remove the ovaries and usually the uterus. Some practices also offer keyhole (laparoscopic) spaying, which involves removing only the ovaries.

3. Recovery: The wound is closed with stitches, which are often buried, closing the layers beneath the skin so you won’t see them. Your pup will receive pain relief and be closely monitored until they are ready to go home. Most return home the same day as surgery.

4. Home care: You'll be given pain relief and a buster collar or medical suit to take home. Your dog will need strict rest for around 10 days while the wound heals. This can be tricky with Cockapoos, who may ask for all the extra TLC for the first couple of days (fully within their doggy rights) and then suddenly will say they’re fine when they still need to rest. That means no zoomies, and no jumping onto sofas, as we don’t want to stretch their abdomen as it heals. It’s also very important not to let them lick their wound as this can lead to infection and wound breakdown.

Common neutering Q&As

Q: Will my Cockapoo gain weight after neutering?
A: Dogs can be more prone to weight gain after neutering due to changes in metabolism and appetite, but neutering does not automatically cause weight gain. The timing of neutering usually occurs during the time your pup is maturing, and their metabolism is changing naturally. Weight gain happens when calorie intake is higher than what your dog burns off. You can prevent this by continuing regular exercise, feeding a balanced diet, and monitoring portion sizes carefully. If you're unsure about your dog's ideal daily food amount, ask your vet—they can help you work it out based on your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Q: Will neutering change my Cockapoo’s personality?
A: No. It won’t change your dog's personality or make them any less playful or enthusiastic. Neutering only affects hormone-driven behaviour, such as urine marking.

Q: What are the risks of neutering a dog?
A: Neutering is one of the most common operations in vet practices. It generally has very low risks, though, like any surgery, complications can occur. Potential risks include anaesthetic complications (which are uncommon) and stitch reactions or wound breakdown. Wound problems are usually linked to aftercare, such as letting your dog lick the wound or excessive movement.

Q: Should I let my dog have a season or litter before neutering?
A: There is no proven health benefit of allowing a dog to have a season or a litter before neutering. Actually, pregnancy and nursing carry their own risks, including complications that can be costly and, in some cases, life-threatening. 

Q: Are there any downsides to neutering?
A: Neutering has potential risks and may not be suitable for every dog. Factors such as breed, size, age, and existing health or behavioural issues all play a role. It’s important to discuss all the benefits and risks for your individual dog.

Join us next month for a vet-written blog focused on parasite control in puppies, helping you understand the risks and how to protect your puppy from common parasites.