5 Benefits of Neutering Domestic Animals

Although some may think that this is a very drastic method of sterilizing a pet, neutering domestic animals presents a number of advantages. These may be related to the health of the animal, to calming their behavior, or to avoiding overpopulation.

In our articles we have always discussed the sterilization process for the care and prevention of diseases that can afflict your pet. But we hardly ever talk about the benefits of neutering domestic animals directly.

That’s why we will discuss this matter in greater depth this time. We’ll tell you about the spaying/neutering process and how it works according to sex. Additionally, we’ll show you the advantages that it can bring to an animal’s health.

What is neutering?

Neutering (or castration) is the process in which the reproductive organs of the animal are removed depending on the sex. It involves removing the uterus and ovaries in the case of females, and testicles in the case of males.

It sounds a little extreme, and the truth is that before the process was more drastic, involving the complete removal of an animal’s organs. Thanks to technological advancement and the improvement of the methods, in some cases the operation can consist of a chemical injection that has the same results without side effects.

In addition, the animal’s recovery process is very short. It will require only a couple of hours to recover physically. Of course, during the first few days the pet will feel weak. However, this is normal since the hormones in his body have been reduced.

The truth is that the earlier you decide to sterilize your pet, the more benefits he will obtain from the procedure. Most of the diseases that are prevented by neutering domestic animals are hormonal and sexual with a high degree of risk.

Why neuter domestic animals?

It is no secret to anyone that there are thousands of abandoned pets in cities all over the world. Most belonged to households that unfortunately couldn’t keep them, so they made the decision to leave them to their fate.

These animals roam urban environments. They breed up to 3 times a year depending on their breed, which leads to a crisis of overpopulation. Sterilization is a way of combating this crisis, and there are several NGOs that share the same views as us on this matter.

In addition, this prevents the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and derivatives. In addition, it improves the animals’ attitudes and personalities in many cases. That can affect the whole population in general. Let’s talk more specifically about the benefits of neutering pets:

• Improves mental health and behavior

Animal hormones, like those in humans, have a great influence on behavior and personality development. Most aggressive male dogs usually have a high concentration of testosterone in their bodies, so their aggression is somewhat involuntary.

Removing the testicles solves this problem in most cases. It will not leave him completely submissive, but there will be a noticeable improvement in his obedience and behavior with other dogs.

In addition, it also reduces the need to mount females when they are in heat, and the need to escape from home. In other words, the animal will become more sedentary and will not want to leave home so often compared to an unsterilized one.

• Decreases the onset of diseases

The development of cervical cancer and in the breasts of females is greatly reduced when an animal is neutered. In females, sterilization before first estrus reduces the onset of these diseases by 90%.

• Neutering domestic animals is economical

There is a myth about the high costs of neutering, but in reality the opposite is true. Neutering your pet is even more economical than you might think. That’s because it provides benefits for life and not just temporarily, like many products offer.

• Improves quality of life

Additionally, the animal will enjoy excellent health for many years, only being affected in most cases by the changes of the seasons and the common cold. In addition to this, spayed females have longer longevity compared to unsterilized pets.

• Eliminates the heat cycle in females

Since they no longer have their ovaries, females stop having a reproductive cycle. Menstruation ceases to be a problem of cleanliness. In addition, they will not attract males on their fertile days. Also, as in males, their behavior will improve in general.