Operating theatre at Serpa Pinto Veterinary Clinic, Porto

Dog Neutering in Porto

An external procedure, with a shorter recovery than in females

Neutering a male dog is a different operation from spaying a female. The approach is external rather than abdominal, the procedure is shorter and recovery is usually quicker. The reasons for doing it are different too: preventing prostate disease and managing behaviours driven by testosterone.

Pre-anaesthetic blood work
Our own operating theatre
Faster recovery

Book an appointment

Booking is done online through Digitail, in under two minutes.

Pre-surgical consultation with individual assessment
Blood work before anaesthesia
Plan and costs explained before booking

Book appointment

Select “Pre-surgical consultation” in the form.

Or talk to us+351 223 239 804

Book a pre-surgical consultation and mention that it is for neutering a male dog. If you go ahead with surgery at our clinic, the cost of this consultation is deducted from the procedure.

Years of experience: 15Years of experience
Satisfied clients: +3500Satisfied clients
Happy pets: +4200Happy pets

Prevents prostate disease

Benign prostate enlargement is very common in intact male dogs from middle age onwards, causing difficulty urinating and passing stools. Neutering both prevents it and causes existing enlargement to regress.

Shorter recovery

Because the approach is external, the wound is smaller and discomfort usually lasts fewer days than in a female. Even so, rest and restricted exercise are needed until the stitches come out.

What changes, and what does not

Neutering acts on testosterone-driven behaviours, such as roaming after females in season. It does not fix fear, anxiety or a lack of training, and it is fair to say so before the surgery rather than after.

How the process works

From the first consultation to the removal of the stitches, this is the path.

Pre-surgical consultation
We examine your dog, confirm both testicles have descended, discuss the right timing for his size and explain the costs. If you go ahead, the cost is deducted from the procedure.
Pre-anaesthetic blood work
We assess kidney and liver function and blood values before anaesthesia, so the anaesthetic protocol can be tailored to your dog rather than applied as standard.
Surgery with continuous monitoring
The procedure takes place in our own operating theatre, with anaesthesia monitored from start to finish. In routine cases it is a shorter operation than in a female.
Recovery and pain control
Your dog recovers with us under supervision and goes home already on pain relief. We explain the medication and wound care in writing, not only verbally.
Check-ups and stitch removal
We check the wound in the first few days and remove the stitches at the agreed time. Until then: short lead walks and a protective collar so he cannot lick the wound.

What neutering resolves in a male dog

The benefits differ from those in a female, because the problems it prevents are different too.

Prevents benign prostate enlargement and the urinary problems that come with it
Removes the risk of testicular tumours
Reduces the urge to roam after females in season, and the street risks that brings
Reduces urine marking in many dogs
Often reduces tension with other intact males
Prevents unplanned litters

Veterinary Team

An experienced team led by Dr. Ivo Malta and Dr. Marta Barros, dedicated to animal wellbeing.

We care for every patient closely and individually, focused on prevention and careful diagnosis.

We combine clinical knowledge with an empathetic approach, always with transparency and trust.

Meet the team

The team at Serpa Pinto Veterinary Clinic in the clinic reception, in Porto

What pet owners say

Real reviews left on Google by people who have been here.

4.8

Average rating

110+

Google Reviews

“I think the team was great, it was her first bath and she can get very excited. She seemed happy after the bath and the team took great care for her.”

M W (Edgy Hamster)

April 2026

“Muito atenciosos e educados. Todos foram excepcionais, principalmente a menina que me atendeu na recepção, e a veterinária. O cuidado com a minha gatinha, sempre muito pacientes e prestativos, disseram-me toda a informação que eu precisava de saber.”

Karen Farias

March 2026

“Excelentes profissionais e a clínica é muito tranquila. Sem tempos de espera. Conseguem aliar o rigor científico ao cuidado afectuoso. Agradeço a toda a equipa que atendeu a Ba e a Bel no sábado. Chegaram tranquilas a casa e estiveram sem nenhuma queixa. Apreciei tudo e recomendo.”

Cristina de O. Alves

January 2026

Read all testimonials

Frequently asked questions

Let us clear everything up, openly

How do I book my dog's neutering?

Book a pre-surgical consultation and mention that it is for neutering a male dog. Surgery is never scheduled without that prior assessment. If you go ahead with us, the cost of the consultation is deducted from the procedure.

What is the right age to neuter a dog?

It depends on size. In large and giant breeds there is an argument for waiting until growth is complete, because of the role hormones play in joint development. In smaller dogs the window is more flexible. We decide with you at the consultation.

Will neutering calm him down?

Only for behaviours that depend on testosterone, such as roaming after females or marking territory. A dog who is restless from excess energy, from fear or from lack of training will be the same afterwards: those causes are addressed with exercise and behavioural work, not surgery.

Is it simpler than spaying a female?

In routine cases yes, because it is not abdominal surgery. The wound is smaller and recovery is usually shorter. It still requires general anaesthesia and the same preparation beforehand.

What if one testicle has not descended?

That is called cryptorchidism and it is a different situation. A retained testicle carries an increased risk of becoming tumorous, and removing it requires a more complex surgical approach, often abdominal. We assess and explain this at the pre-surgical consultation.

How long does recovery take?

Usually shorter than in a female. Even so, keep to short lead walks with no running or jumping, and use a protective collar until the stitches come out, because licking the wound is the most common cause of complications.

Will he put on weight?

Energy requirements drop after neutering. With an adjusted food portion and the same exercise, he does not have to gain weight. We adjust his diet with you at the follow-up.

Is there an alternative to surgery?

There are hormonal implants that suppress testosterone temporarily and reversibly. They are sometimes useful for testing the behavioural effect before committing to surgery. We can discuss whether that makes sense in your case.