Neutering

Neutering is being socially responsible

Why do we neuter our pets? Is it really necessary? These questions are valid and vets get asked about neutering a lot. Your vet will answer that neutering is a socially responsible medical act. Did you know that in Quebec, a large number of stray animals are euthanized every month? Neutering your cat or dog has many advantages, for you and for them. Neutering prevents so many animals from being born into, and living in, unacceptable conditions. Stray animals tend to create a domino effect when it comes to contamination. If the new friend in your household isn’t neutered yet, speak to your family vet.

The impact of neutering

In female cats, neutering eliminates them going into heat, which in turn stops everything that goes along with a cat in heat, namely excessive meowing (usually at night), blood loss and sometimes even running away. In male cats, castration helps reduce aggressive behaviour, territory conflicts and urinating to mark territory. In both sexes, sterilization greatly reduces urine marking. As a matter of fact, among neutered pets, only 10 % of males and 5 % of females will maintain marking.

In male dogs, neutering significantly reduces behaviour such as running away to find females, territorial marking, mounting and aggressivity toward other male dogs. In female dogs, neutering will prevent them from going into heat, which means less aggression toward other dogs and it helps prevent symptoms of false pregnancy.

In terms of physical health, for both cats and dogs, neutering helps cut down the risk of mammary tumours and urinary infections in the female. In male dogs, neutering reduces the risk of prostate problems and completely eliminates the risk of testicular tumours.

When should you neuter your pet?

Your vet will recommend neutering your dog or cat, male or female, at around six months old or even younger. Beforehand, your vet will perform an exam to make sure that the procedure will be completely safe for your pet.