07 March 2025

Following on from WORLD SPAY DAY we want to discuss the benefits of pet neutering!

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Most mammals can (and will, given the chance) mate from a very young age, even with siblings. This can have a negative impact on their health, your home situation, and it is a big cause of unwanted animals ending up without a home.

According to the Cats Protection charity, research shows that around 70% of cat pregnancies are unplanned - that is a lot of unexpected kittens to care for!!

Preventing unwanted pregnancies is the most obvious benefit associated with pet neutering and whilst this is extremely important, there are many other benefits too. Rachael and our team at Apex Vets are sharing more benefits of pet neutering below, to help current pet owners and anyone thinking of getting a new pet, make this important decision.

BENEFITS OF NEUTERING YOUR PET

Neutering can be one of the kindest things you can do for your pet as there is several benefits from this, protecting their health and happiness.

Females (spaying)

Prevents unexpected and unwanted pregnancies
Prevents seasons and phantom pregnancies, which can be stressful
Eliminates health risks that come with pregnancies
Reduces risk of mammary tumours (breast cancer)
Prevents life-threatening pyometra (uterine infection)

Males (castration)

Reduces risk of prostate disease
Eliminates risk of testicular cancer
In dogs and cats, neutering reduces wandering to find a mate therefore lowering the chances of being involved in a road accident
May help with behavioural issues such as sexual aggression and territorial marking/ spraying

NEUTERING SMALL PETS

As well as the benefits listed above, neutering rabbits and ferrets can make it easier to bond opposite sex pairs. With rabbits, this eliminates risk of uterine adenocarcinoma (cancer) which affects up to 60% of rabbits over 3 years old.

With guinea pigs, usually only the male is neutered if he is going to be paired with a female - neutering will not stop fighting between males. Neutering female guinea pigs, these is a risk of ovarian cysts.

POTENTIAL DISADVANTAGES OF NEUTERING

Weight gain can be an issue for some pets. This can be offset with a lower calorie diet, more exercise and regular weight checks with one of our practice nurses.
Urinary incontinence affects approximately 9% of spayed female dogs but this can be well controlled with medication.
Due to hormonal changes, the pet's coat condition may change over time.
Learned behaviours that go beyond hormones may not alter after neutering.
Certain dog breeds may benefit from being neutered later than the typical 6 months of age marker - therefore you should always seek advice from your vet.