Neutering is a very important topic of conversation to have with regards to your new pet. Individually, people differ in their opinions. Here at Coquet Vets we believe if you are not intending to breed from your pet then it is absolutely the right thing to do.

In this week’s article, we discuss the benefits of neutering for cats, dogs and rabbits.

Cats

We recommend neutering cats from the age of 6 months. However, in certain circumstances we can neuter them when they are younger, for example, when young male and female kittens live in the same household.

The benefits of neutering cats include:

• Preventing unwanted kittens and, therefore, reducing the load on re-homing shelters and charities

• Removal of pregnancy associated complications

• Reduce roaming and therefore reduction in the number of cats involved in road traffic accidents

• Significant reduction in mammary tumours in female cats, as well as ovarian and uterine diseases

• Reduction of urine spraying to scent mark in male cats

Dogs

We can neuter dogs from the age of 6 months. However, in large breed dogs it is often advised to let them physically mature more before they are neutered, so we often neuter them between their first and second season. This is something that is very dependent on the individual so we recommend talking to one of our vets first.

Even in her first season, a female can mate, so great care is required to ensure she doesn’t come into contact with a male dog in this period, which can be up to 3 weeks. If we allow a female to have a season we have to consider when is the best point in their cycle to neuter her. We recommend 12 weeks from the end of their season.

The benefits of neutering dogs include:

• Preventing unwanted litters and, again, reducing the load on re-homing shelters and charities.

• Removal of pregnancy associated risks that can be costly, for example the need for a cesarean section.

• To prevent problems associated with a female’s oestrus cycle, for example false pregnancies.

• To greatly reduce the risk of mammary cancer (breast cancer)

• To prevent or treat a condition called Pyometra (womb infection) in female dogs, which can be life threatening

• To reduce problems associated with the prostate in male dogs

• To prevent some tumours of the anus

• To reduce or treat the risk of testicular cancer. This is particularly important if the testicles have not fully descended as these are more prone to cancer.

• As part of a combined treatment plan for unwanted behaviours, for example wandering or inappropriate sexual behaviour

Rabbits

We neuter rabbits from approximately 5 months old, however, this can also vary depending on breed and circumstances. For example, for some giant breeds we advise waiting until they are 9 months old.

The benefits of neutering rabbits include:

• Prevention of unwanted litters

• Prevention of false pregnancies

• Reduce the chance of uterine neoplasia in females

• Reduction in hormonally related aggression towards companions or you, their owner

It is very important to note that after neutering, any animal will have a reduction in their dietary requirement. It’s important to reduce their food intake appropriately and accordingly as well as maintain a good level of exercise in order to prevent obesity.

We hope this article has provided you with some information as to the benefits of neutering your pet. If you have any questions then please do not hesitate to contact us on 01665 252 250 or email us at info@coquetvets.co.uk