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Tips for Pet Castration – What to Expect and How to Prepare
Having your cat or dog neutered is something many pet owners choose to do. Not only does it prevent unwanted litters, but it can also help your pet be calmer (especially males) and benefit their overall health. Whilst it’s not compulsory, many vets recommend having the procedure, so the question is, should you?
Rather than rush into a decision, you should decide what’s best for you and your pet and make an informed decision, so below is a quick guide on what to expect before and after the surgery, and how to prepare for the operation.
What is Pet Castration?
Neutering, also known as castration in males and spaying in females, is something that can only be handled by your vet as it usually requires surgery. In males, this removes the testicles and in females, it removes the ovaries and the uterus. The primary reason for doing this is to stop your dog or cat from breeding or becoming pregnant – something many pet
owners are not prepared for if they suddenly have a large litter to look after unexpectedly!
As per the Blue Cross, neutering is a routine procedure that vets perform every day, although like all surgery there is a small risk of complications. Whilst it will prevent unwanted pups and kittens, there are also some other benefits of neutering to think about:
● In males, it prevents testicular cancer from developing along with other cancers such as perianal or prostate.
● In females, it can reduce the chance of mammary (breast) cancer, and remove the risk of womb infection.
● Male cats and dogs will no longer have the urge to seek out females to mate and it will reduce the issue of unwanted behaviours like humping or even aggression with other dogs.
When speaking to your vet about castration or spaying, they will be able to advise further on the health benefits it can have and how your pet’s behaviour may change. They will also be able to advise on the best time to have the procedure. As per the PDSA, most dogs can be neutered from 4 – 6 months old, but your vet will advise when is best. This is similar for cats as most can be neutered from 4 months old.
It’s best to follow the advice of your vet as castration too early can have an impact on your pet’s development, so depending on the breed, size and their individual circumstances, your vet may recommend waiting longer until they’ve fully matured before doing so. The cost of the procedure will also vary depending on whether spaying or castrating and the size of your dog or cat. Again, check with your vet for specific information on the costs involved. It’s not a procedure usually covered by insurance, so you’ll need to factor this in when going ahead.
What to Expect When Going Ahead With Neutering
Once you’ve decided to move forward with neutering, your vet will explain the preparation you’ll need in the days up to the surgery as well as what to expect during and after the procedure. This ensures you know exactly what is involved and can prepare your pet for this.
The exact advice will vary depending on the breed and size of your cat or dog, but in general, you’ll need to monitor their food and water intake and keep an eye on their general health.
● They’ll usually not be able to eat for 8 hours or so before the operation and not have any water intake for at least 3 hours before. This is to make sure their stomach is empty during the procedure.
● If for any reason your pet is showing symptoms of being ill or sick in the days leading up to neutering, speak to your vet. They may need to reschedule until they have recovered.
If they are all ok to go ahead, the surgery will usually involve the following:
● Given a sedative and once this takes effect, put under full general anaesthetic.
● Once under, the surgical area around the groin will be prepared and cleaned, ready for a small cut to be made. This will be just above the testicles for males and in the abdomen for females.
● For males, the testicles are then carefully removed and in females, the ovaries and womb.
● The incisions will then be surgically sealed, and your pet will be monitored whilst it wakes up from the anaesthetic.
As mentioned, castration or spaying is a routine procedure for vets so in most cases, you won’t have to worry about any complications. However, your vet will advise before going ahead if your pet has any particular issues that may put them at higher risk during surgery.
After The Surgery Once Home
If all goes well, your pet will be able to return home with you the same day once the vet is happy. They will provide you with aftercare guidance to follow to ensure they recover well and there are no issues with the wound. They will usually provide a cone for your pet to wear to stop them from licking or biting the stitches. As per the Dog’s Trust, if they struggle with wearing one, ask your vet for an alternative such as a material collar or donut. You may need to purchase one yourself if a cone isn’t working.
● Your pet will need lots of rest, and they will probably be very tired or groggy for several hours after surgery. The effect of the anaesthetic may last a few days before wearing off completely. Make sure they have plenty of room to do so and remain comfortable.
● Naturally, they will want to move around once they start to feel better. Your vet will advise to avoid any strenuous exercise or running around for several days to avoid the stitches from coming out and the wound opening.
● During their recovery, you may be asked to bring them back in to see the vet for a check-up. Eventually, the stitches will need to be removed unless dissolvable ones have been used.
Once recovered after a week or so, your cat or dog should be back to normal health. You may notice a change in behaviour in your cat or dog after castration. This is normal and will mainly be in relation to wanting to find a mate. In males, they may seem more relaxed and will resist the urge to hump, whilst in females they will not come into heat as they would
normally do and will not spray for male attention.
Providing a Healthy, Happy Future For Your Pet
Neutering is just one important aspect of pet ownership that you’ll need to think about early on in their life. As with microchipping and having vaccinations, it is one of the most common procedures that will benefit their future health and well-being. However, being neutered won’t solve all behavioural issues or other types of illnesses that your pet can get.
You should still be wary of any symptoms that are unusual – it could be that your pet has another problem. Whether it’s from poisoning after eating something they shouldn’t have, injury from jumping or fighting with other animals or showing signs of serious viral disease such as Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) in cats, there are still many issues to be aware of as a pet owner. If during or after their recovery you notice anything unusual, do speak to your vet. Even if it is just a minor issue, it’s best to check and get further advice.
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Hi there! I am Emily Evert, the owner of Emily Reviews. I am 28 and live in a small town in Michigan with my boyfriend Ryan and our two pugs. I have a large family and I adore my nieces and nephews. I love reading memoirs, and learning about child development and psychology. I love watching The Game of Thrones, Teen Mom, Sister Wives and Veep. I like listening to Jason Isbell, John Prine, and other alt-country or Americana music. I created Emily Reviews as a creative outlet to share my life and the products that I love with others.
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