WHAT IS NEUTERING

Neutering is the process by which pets are surgically prevented from reproducing. In the case of males the operation involved is termed 'castration' in females it is called 'spaying'

CASTRATION

Castration involves an operation under general anesthesia to remove the testicles. As these produce the male hormone, testosterone, male hormonal activity is considerably reduced. In the case of dogs there will be a few stitches to be removed after 10 days.

SPAYING

Spaying involves the removal of the uterus and ovaries with the result that the female is unable to produce a litter and will not come into season again. Although the operation itself will be conducted under general anesthesia your pet will be active again within 24 hours, with a few stitches needing to come out after 10 days.

WHEN SHOULD YOU HAVE YOUR PET NEUTERED?

DOGS

A dog can be castrated at any age but it is generally thought best to wait until he is physically mature before doing so. In bitches spaying is normally done after the first season, usually mid-way between seasons so that the reproductive organs are in their resting state.

CATS

A female kitten should ideally be spayed when they are 5-6 months old although the operation can be performed when older. Some cats, however, are able to become pregnant before 5 months of age so it is wise to watch for earlier signs of season. A male kitten can be castrated (or doctored) from the age of 5-6 months.

WHY SHOULD YOU HAVE YOUR PET NEUTERED?

FOR YOUR PETS HEALTH

Having your pet neutered early on, when it is fit and well can save health problems later in life. Neutered females cannot, for instance, have pyrometers (infected wombs) or phantom pregnancies. There is also evidence that neutering reduces the risk of mammary tumors in females and prostate disease in males.

FOR YOUR PETS HAPPINESS

As an owner you can understand the need to keep your female pets shut in when they are in season or restrict your entire (non neutered) male from pursuing females. For your pet the reasons are not as clear, they are only following their instincts after all, and they can become frustrated and unsettled.

FOR YOUR SAKE

If you do not have your pet neutered you take on the full responsibility for ensuring that your pet does not have, or is not responsible for, an unwanted litter. If, in an unguarded moment, your pet does conceive, then you will also be responsible for finding good homes for the resulting litter.

Living with an entire pet is not always easy. Owners of entire females will have to face the inevitable mess due to bloody discharge when their pet is in season, entire male dogs may try and escape in search of mates and an entire male cat will mark his territory with a smell that only the most devoted of owners can tolerate.
You may also have to contend with behavioral problems caused by hormonal activity - females may undergo mood swings when in season and entire males may be more territorial than their neutered counterparts and show increased aggression or indulge in antisocial behavior such as mounting.

FOR THE SAKE OF OTHER PEOPLE

Even if you are happy to act as your pet's guardian you must remember that it may affect others as well - fighting amorous tom cats and queues of canine Romeos can make you less than popular with the neighbors! It also has implications on your family too, an open door can spell disaster!

FOR THE SAKE OF OTHER ANIMALS

Every year many dogs and cats have to be put to sleep because there are too many animals to fill the number of good homes available. This could be prevented if owners would be responsible for their pets and not let unplanned pregnancies occur.

HOW WOULD BEING NEUTERED AFFECT YOUR PET?

As neutering requires surgery under general anesthesia there will obviously be some discomfort for your pet at that time. However, in reality, this is only a matter of a few hours. Within 24 hours your pet will be up and about again and, though it is necessary to restrict exercise for 10-14 days (especially in the case of spaying), they should be back to normal within a couple of days.


10 ADVANTAGES OF HAVING YOUR PET NEUTERED:

 

Ø      Neutering eliminates the risk of womb infections and false pregnancies in older female pets.

Ø       It also reduces the risk of mammary tumors and prostate disease.

Ø       It saves your pet a lot of frustration - neutered males lose the desire to follow mating instincts and neutered females do not have to face being shut in because they are in season.

Ø       Male pets that are not neutered have a tendency to roam in search of females - during their travels they may pick up disease, become injured or get lost.

Ø       They may also become aggressive due to their hormonal activity and may get into fights more easily.

Ø       Entire males may show antisocial behavior such as mounting.

Ø      Females that have not been neutered may experience mood swings due to hormonal changes during their season.

Ø      Neutering reduces worry for owners, who would otherwise constantly be concerned about the whereabouts of their pet, and saves them suffering the consequences when numerous pet Romeos lay siege to their home.

Ø       Having a pet in season can be a messy business.

Ø       Ensuring your pet is neutered means you know you are not adding to the number of unwanted pets and will not have to find homes for unplanned litters.

COUNTING THE COST:

Veterinary care is not cheap and neutering is no exception but the cost of not neutering can be even higher. Bringing up a litter of puppies or kittens is an expensive. The cost of feeding alone would normally exceed the cost of the operation.
Please don't leave it to chance, think carefully about the implications of not having your pet neutered. Remember your pet cannot say NO and therefore this is your responsibility!
Your local vet will be able to give you further details on neutering including current costs.