Neutering can help reduce the huge number of unwanted pets, prevent illnesses and some unwanted behaviours.

Neutering Lowdown

• Female animals are spayed – this means the womb and the ovaries are removed.

• Male animals are castrated – this means the testicles are removed.

• Operations should be straightforward – they are carried out under general anaesthetic and animals usually recover quickly.

• Neutering shouldn’t mean that your pets will put on weight- your vet will be able to offer appropriate advice on diet following the operation.

Benefits Of Neutering

•Neutering has many benefits that apply not only to dogs and cats but also to other small animals such as rabbits. Ferrets can also be surgically neutered, as described above, or chemical contraception methods may also be used.

• If animals are neutered, this reduces the risk of them being stolen for breeding.

• Neutering prevents female animals coming into season, when they may attract unwanted male attention, become pregnant or have false pregnancies.

• Neutering prevents the risk of testicular cancer in male animals and uterus infections and cancers in females.

• In male dogs and cats, neutering can reduce behaviours such as urine marking and roaming.

• Neutering can reduce aggressive behaviour in mature male ferrets, as well as the smell often associated with them! Neutering a female ferret can also prevent severe health problems such as alopecia and anemia.

• Unspayed female animals can be messy when they come into season – during this time, females can bleed for up to three weeks.

• Animals don’t respect family relationships – siblings will mate. This increases the risk of offspring being born with birth defects and deformities.

• If an unneutered pet becomes pregnant and there is a problem during or after the birth, vet fees can be very expensive. Offspring might need veterinary attention too.

• Owners have a legal responsibility to meet all of their animal’s needs. Pregnant and nursing animals need even more care and their offspring will be equally as demanding. When the young are ready to be rehomed, you also need to ensure that they are vaccinated, wormed and flea treated, which you will also need to be able to afford.

Talk To Your Vet

• You do not need to let an animal have one litter first. Pets can be neutered before having any litters.

• Your vet will be able to offer further advice on the best time to neuter your pet.

• Check the cost with your vet. This will depend on the species, size and sex of your pet.

Source Reference: RSPCA (http://www.rspca.org.uk/allaboutanimals/pets/general/neutering)