What does neutering involve?

Neutering is a routine surgical procedure in which the reproductive organs of the animal are removed. In males, the testicles are removed, and in females, both ovaries and the uterus are removed. The operation is performed under general anesthesia. Pets are neutered not only to prevent unwanted pregnancies but also to protect them from numerous diseases.

Important! Animals do not suffer from the loss of their sexual identity; they do not think like us and do not feel discomfort from their inability to reproduce. It is wrong to attribute our feelings to them.

Why should you neuter your pet? The benefits of neutering:

  1. To avoid problems with unwanted pregnancies and all associated complications, as well as the need to find suitable homes for the offspring.
  2. Neutering protects your pet from many diseases, including:
  • Prostate-related issues
  • Urinary tract problems
  • Mammary gland tumors
  • Uterine and ovarian tumors
  • Pyometra
  • Diabetes
  • Hormonally related anemias
  • Pseudopregnancy
  • Hormonal skin conditions
  • Unwanted behaviors (aggression, etc.).
  1. We want to emphasize that early neutering, before the first heat cycle, leads to a minimal risk (about 0.5% in neutered animals) of developing mammary gland tumors. With just one heat cycle, the risk increases to 23% or 40 times! The reason is the high levels of estrogen produced during heat cycles (estrus). One of the common surgeries performed is precisely the removal of mammary gland tumors. Surgical removal does not always solve the problem – 90% of tumors in cats and 60% in dogs are malignant and can metastasize fatally to vital organs.
  2. It is particularly important to neuter male animals that are cryptorchids (one or both testes are retained in the abdominal cavity or inguinal canals), as the retained testis often develops cancerous tissue. It has been proven that neutered animals live about 1.5-3 years longer than their unneutered counterparts.
  3. Owners of neutered animals are exempt from the annual tax under the Local Taxes and Fees Act.
  4. You help limit the population of already numerous stray animals.
  5. Through neutering, you avoid the typical aggressive behavior during heat cycles, male-to-male fights over females, getting lost, and being hit by cars due to a runaway animal.
  6. They no longer experience hormonal issues, and owners are not bothered by howling and meowing throughout the night; urine marking on carpets, wallpapers, and furniture also disappears.
  7. Sterilized animals are calmer, and less aggressive, with reduced anxious behavior and escape tendencies. They become more obedient and manageable.
  8. When so-called “irritable aggression” in females is associated with hormonal imbalances, false pregnancy, or irritation due to the heat cycle itself, it is completely eliminated through spaying. Prolonged intake of heat cycle suppression pills leads to the formation of mammary gland tumors, hormonal issues, and inflammations of the uterus and ovaries.

What is the appropriate age to do it? Preparation.

  1. The most suitable time for spaying female specimens is before their first heat cycle, or around 6 months of age; for males – neutering can be done around 7-8 months of age.
  2. Preparation for spaying/neutering – the animal should not consume food 8-12 hours before the surgery and should not drink water 4-6 hours before it.
  3. After the surgery, the animal recovers for about 10 days depending on the type of sutures used in the procedure. It should be ensured that the animal does not lick the operated area and does not cause the sutures to tear. For this purpose, wearing a postoperative collar may be necessary. After the sutures are removed, no other special care is required.

Myths and misconceptions about neutering.

  1. Effect on overall temperament. Many owners are concerned that their dog will lose its vitality, playfulness, and temperament after neutering. On the contrary, neutering will not affect the temperament and playfulness of your pet. Your animal will not become less playful or emotional.
  2. Effect on body weight. A common belief is that neutered animals gain weight. The truth is that diet and lack of exercise contribute to this effect, and it is not a direct consequence of the surgery. High-quality foods have been developed specifically for animals that have been sterilized.
  3. If I neuter my dog, it won’t guard. Neutering does not affect the innate instincts of a dog to guard its family and/or territory. These instincts are genetically ingrained and are not influenced by sex hormones. Do not confuse aggression, especially during the reproductive period, with guarding territory.
  4. My dog needs to have puppies at least once for her health. From a medical point of view, it’s exactly the opposite. The earlier you neuter your pet, the healthier it will be.
  5. Effect on inappropriate urination and defecation. Dogs and cats may urinate or defecate in unwanted places in your home, which may be due to: territory marking, anxiety, or to demonstrate sexual maturity. Since this behavior is only partially under hormonal control, male or female animals may continue to urinate or defecate in inappropriate places even after neutering.
  6. I will find good homes for my puppies. You can never be sure of this, just look out the window. The first homeless dog or cat was once someone’s pet. You may be a responsible owner, but you cannot be sure that the candidates for your puppies will be the same and will provide the necessary care for them. They are often doomed to spend their lives on a chain or leash, receiving dry bread once a week. By creating homebred puppies, you take away the chance of a home from the thousands of waiting and dying animals in shelters. They are there because of our irresponsibility.