Neutering

Neutering Why do it

Neutering pets prevents unwanted litters. It reduces the number of animals that are abandoned and brings many health benefits to both male and female pets. What is it

In male animals, the testicles are removed – this is called ‘castration’. In female animals the ovaries and the uterus (womb) are removed – this is called ‘spaying’.

Did you know? Many people incorrectly believe neutering causes weight gain. It’s true that a neutered dog burns calories at a slower pace, but asking your vet for advice on food and exercise will make sure your dog maintains a healthy weight.

Did you know? A dog doesn’t need to have a litter before she’s spayed.

Dogs

Why do itNeutering stops dogs from havingunwanted puppies and reduces theirchances of developing illnesses. In female dogs it reduces the risk of breast cancer and prevents a potentially life-threatening condition called pyometra (a serious infection of the womb). In male dogs neutering protects from testicular cancer and disease of the prostate gland.

WhenFor male and female dogs, neutering is often carried out under one year of age for the maximum benefit – ask your vet when the best time would be for your dog.

Neutering doesn’t always reduce aggression – you should always ask your vet for advice aboutproblems with your dog’s behaviour.

Cats

Why do itNeutering stops cats from having unwanted kittens and prevents certain illnesses such as cancer of the ovaries or womb in female cats. Neutering makes male cats less likely to fight, which reduces their chances of getting feline AIDS (FIV) which is spread by bites and scratches.

Neutered male cats are less likely to roam which can reduce their chances of getting hit by a car and they are less likely to spray urine in the house.

WhenOften done at around five to six months of age, but can safely be done when your cat is younger or older – ask your vet. A cat doesn’t need to have a litter before she’s spayed.

Rabbits

Why do itNeutering has many benefits for rabbits. In female rabbits it prevents cancer of the womb and it allows rabbits of both sexes to live together without the risk of unwanted litters (kits).

The best pairing is usually a neutered male living with a neutered female. Neutering can also help reduce aggression.

Did you know? Up to 80 per cent of female rabbits that haven’t been spayed can develop cancer of the womb.

Did you know? Rabbits are very social animals and get lonely so need the company of other rabbits.

WhenIn female rabbits the operation is usually carried out between four to five months of age. In male rabbits the operation is often done at around three monthsof age.

PDSA vets advise Getting your pet neutered is a vital part of responsible pet care. Neutering has many health and welfare benefits for pets.

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PDSAFor pet owners registered at PDSA PetAid hospitals a range of preventive treatments are sold. These include neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, prescription diets, and flea and worm treatments.

Leading veterinary charity, PDSA, funds and provides veterinary care tothe sick and injured pets of people in need and promotes responsiblepet ownership. The charity operates through a UK-wide network of48 PetAid hospitals and over 350 PetAid practices (contracted private practices).

For more information on PDSA and its work and to find out how you can helpsupport the charity by fundraising, volunteering or making a donation:freephone 0800 917 2509 email info@pdsa.org.uk

PDSA Head Office, Whitechapel Way, Priorslee, Telford, Shropshire TF2 9PQ

Registered charity nos. 208217 & SC037585

Pet insurance products can help protect pet owners from unexpected vet’s bills. There are many different types of product on the market and policies can vary considerably so it

is important to research the market thoroughly for a policy that suits your and your pet’s needs. PDSA provides its own insurance, and the charity receives vital income for each policy taken out.

For a quote from PDSA Petsurance visit www.pdsapetsurance.co.uk or freephone 0800 980 6000 quoting RPC. Calls may be monitored and recorded. PDSA Trading Limited is an introducer appointed representative of BDML Connect Ltd who administer and arrange the policies. BDML Connect Ltd is registered in England at the Connect Centre, Kingston Crescent, Portsmouth PO2 8QL (Registered No. - 2785540). Policies are underwritten by AXA Insurance UK Plc who are registered in England at 5 Old Broad Street, London EC2N 1AD (Registered No. - 78950). Both BDML Connect Ltd and AXA Insurance UK Plc are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. You can check this information on the FSA’s Register by visiting the FSA’s website www.fsa.gov.uk/register or by contacting the FSA on 0845 606 1234.