Image: Kittens (Krystianwin from Pixabay)
Neutering our domestic pets should be something considered by all pet owners. We advise that you discuss this with your vet or nurse, as the answer isn't straight forward. Neutering is the term we use when we surgically operate on your dog to prevent breeding. In females, this is called spaying, and in males, it is called castration.
Cats - both male and females can be neutered from 6 months of age. This can be done earlier from 4 months if they are desperate to go outside or if they start urinating in your house.
Male and female dogs <15kg can be neutered from 6 months of age.
Male and female dogs >15kg can also be neutered from 6 months of age, but we would advise, if possible, to do this from 12 months of age to ensure they are skeletally mature.
Large Breed and Giant breed dogs (Labrador size and upwards) should be delayed if possible until after 18 months of age; again, to ensure they are skeletally mature.
Timing of spaying in female dogs - this can be done either before their first season (heat), or midway between seasons (this is usually 2-3 months after the signs of their heat have stopped).
Pros to neutering
Controls overpopulation of dogs and cats:
Unfortunately, every year within the UK there is a large population of dogs and cats in rehoming centres. Neutering helps to prevent unwanted pregnancies and therefore helps to control our pet population.
Reduction of certain conditions:
Male dogs - There is a reduced incidence of prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), anal adenomas (lumps around the anus), and perineal hernias (a hernia to the side of the rectum) in neutered male dogs.
Male dogs that are neutered no longer have the risk of suffering from testicular cancer, a common form of cancer in dogs, later in life.
Female dogs - Spaying your dog reduces the risk of mammary cancer. The earlier the neutering the better the chances of not developing it. Mammary cancer is extremely common in entire bitches and can cause severe disease and even death.
Spaying also prevents a pyometra in female dogs. A pyometra is where the uterus fills with pus due to an infection. This can cause your dog to become very unwell, and in worst cases, they can die if left untreated. This condition is seen in 1 in 4 unneutered female dogs over the age of 9 years of age.
Image: Happy dog (Zoegammon from Pixabay)
Positive behavioural changes after neutering:
The removal of the testicles changes the hormonal balance that is within the male dog or cat. Less testosterone is present, which means there is less of a desire to mark territory. There can be fewer spraying issues around the house as well.
It reduces the mating urge, so unwanted sexual behaviour usually disappears. Dogs that are not neutered are more likely to have the urge to run away from their home if they sense a dog in heat somewhere in their neighbourhood. The urge to mate is reduced once the neutering process has been completed. That means the desire to roam and expand territory is reduced. They still like to get outside to explore, but the purpose is different. The goal is to have fun more than it is to find a mate or expand personal borders.
Weight gain:
It is a common misconception that neutering causes weight gain. Neutered dogs do tend to need less food to maintain a healthy weight, however, so as long as the dog receives a healthy diet and regular exercise, the act of neutering will not cause the dog to put on weight. As the dog ages, they will want to eat the same amount while wanting to exercise less. Therefore, the focus on diet and exercise must increase.
Cons to Neutering
It does not guarantee a change in behaviour:
Many dogs have learned behaviours that go beyond basic hormones. Some dogs may have learned to lift their leg to spray, so they’ll keep doing that after they are neutered. Some dogs can become more aggressive after being neutered, especially if they are nervous and are neutered before they are fully through adolescence. Although, it is possible for undesired behaviours to disappear after this procedure, so it is not guaranteed.
You may see more undesired behaviours instead of fewer. We have the option of using an implant in male dogs before committing to the surgical procedure. This allows us to see the effect of castration. If you have concerns about your male dog’s behaviour, you may wish to chat about this option with one of our vets.
It can cause urinary incontinence:
Although it doesn’t happen often, there is a small risk that the neutering procedure could cause urinary incontinence for the dog. It happens when the surgery takes place before the bladder is fully developed. As the dog ages, the bladder muscles are weaker than they should be, which causes leakage. This is much more common in female dogs and can be treated with medication.
It could change the texture of the dog’s coat:
Because neutering initiates a hormonal change for the dog, there can be some changes to the animal’s physical characteristics over time. One of the most common changes that is seen happens to the coat. Dogs that are neutered may have their coat growth patterns altered. The texture of their coat might change as well.
It can increase several different health risks for the dog:
Neutering can increase the health risks of certain conditions for dogs. Dogs that are neutered before the age of 12 months have an increased risk of osteosarcoma. This is breed dependent and can be discussed with one of our vets. There are also increased risks for hypothyroidism, cognitive impairments, and orthopedic disorders.
If you have any questions or you would like some advice, or if want to book your pet in for a pre-neuter consult, please call us on 01665 252 250.
