Neutering
It's natural for our pets to want to multiply... but sometimes we may need to intervene!
We routinely neuter a wide range of pets, from Great Danes to Gerbils; phone us to chat about timings & cost.
There are pros and cons for surgical neutering, including the following:
PROS of spaying bitches:
- reduces the incidence of mammary tumours, if carried out at an early age
- ensures no phantom pregnancies
- ensures no womb infections (pyometra)
- ensures no ovarian tumours
- ensures no unwanted pregnancies
CONS of spaying bitches
- can increase the risk of urinary incontinence in older bitches
- can affect growth rate
- does affect maturation
- increases the likelihood that your dog will get fat later in life (easily controlled with diet and exercise)
- could affect the growth and texture of your dog's coat
PROS of castrating male dogs
- removes the risk of prostate problems
- removes risk of testicular cancer
- can reduce aggressiveness
- can reduce hypersexual behaviour
CONS of castrating male dogs
- may not reliably reduce aggression
- may not reduce dominant behaviour
- can affect growth rate
- can affect maturation
- increases the likelihood that your dog will get fat later in life (easily controlled with diet and exercise)
- could affect the growth and texture of your dog's coat
A vet or nurse will happily discuss these with you if you have any queries
Should you hesitate to surgically neuter or would prefer a reversible option there are now a range of products for both female and male animals that can provide effective contraception and reduce some of the secondary sexual characteristics that we find so endearing!! These can have side effects so please ask if this may be of interest.