Along with a number of health benefits, it can also help to establish better pet behaviour, allowing you to develop a stronger relationship with your pet. Have a look at the information below where our team has answered some of the most frequently asked questions regarding pet neutering. We always recommend chatting through what options are available for your pet, so do not hesitate to contact our nursing team who can advise you further.
Pet neutering provides a number of health and behavioural benefits to both male and female dogs. Neutered male dogs won’t develop testicular tumours and it may also help to reduce the undesirable behaviours of scent-marking, humping and roaming. In female dogs, neutering lowers the risk of mammary tumours, life-threatening womb infections, and eliminates ovarian cancer. It also stops your pet having seasons – these seasons alter your female dog’s hormone balance and can lead to them being pestered when out on walks by un-neutered males looking to mate. It also takes away the risk of unwanted pregnancies.
Estcourt Vets recommend that dogs are neutered when they are skeletally mature. Male dogs should undergo neutering from 12 months of age. We recommend that female dogs are spayed 3 months after their first or second season depending on their breed type and the age at which they have their first season. Visit our Puppies & Kittens page for more information on your young pet’s healthcare.
Contact our nursing team for more information and so that we can help you understand when is the right time to neuter your pet.
In male cats, neutering can have a positive effect on your pet by reducing their risk of catching certain incurable diseases, often spread through fighting other males, and reducing their risk of roaming and fighting. This will help to keep them safer and closer to home. Un-neutered males also have the tendency to scent mark in and around your home. Neutering your male cat is the responsible thing to do to protect un-neutered stray cats and pet cats in the area.
In female cats, unwanted pregnancies are the main reasons to have them neutered as an intact female can produce 3 litters of kittens a year, starting from just four months old – adding to the already large population of cats looking for homes in the UK. Females are also at risk of developing breast cancer or a womb infection known as pyometra – both of which can be fatal. Neutering reduces this risk and also makes it easier for you to manage your cat. If she is left entire, it often becomes a laborious cycle of monitoring her as she will have lots of seasons very quickly, meaning letting her roam might not be an option as lots of males will want her attention!
At Estcourt Vets we recommend neutering your male cats from 4 months of age. We also recommend females being neutered from 4 months of age. Both males and females become sexually mature around 4 months of age so it is best to neuter as early as possible to prevent unwanted litters of kittens. For more information on kitten care, visit our Puppies & Kittens page.
Estcourt Vets are happy to discuss the neutering of small furry pets and we strongly recommend booking in with one of our nurses to chat through your pet’s options. Both rabbits and guinea pigs can be neutered at our surgery and our experienced team of vets and nurses will ensure they are as calm and comfortable as possible during and after their procedure.