Te Are Manu, Cook Islands veterinary clinic are recommending that dog owners have their dogs de-sexed at around four to five months old or older.

Dr Rose Hasegawa, medical director of the veterinary clinic in Arorangi says female dogs can get pregnant from six-months so it was important to take them in early.

She advises the public that if you are not sure if your dog is old enough for de-sexing to please take them to the clinic for a free puppy health check and they can be advised.

“It is also important to de-sex older dogs, male dogs can get testicular cancer and prostate issues if not de-sexed.

“Older female dogs can get mammary cancers and uterus infections if they are left un-de-sexed,” Dr Hasegawa said.

Last week, the veterinary clinic held a free de-sex programme where 13 dogs were de-sexed.

Dr Hasegawa said they will be having another de-sex clinic in Titikaveka in November.

 According to Dr Hasegawa, desexing, also known as spaying (for females) or neutering (for males) is a common veterinary procedure.

She had said that this practice is crucial not only for controlling the pet population in Rarotonga but also for improving the health and behaviour of pets Te Are Manu and SPCA holds free dog de-sexing clinics around Rarotonga in each Puna district. If you or someone you know has a dog that needs to be de-sexed, call the clinic on 27719 or 57206 between 8am and 2pm.