Your cute new bundle of fluff might be irresistible now, but depending on what type of pet it is, it’ll soon get bigger and start reproducing if you don’t stay on top of the situation.
Animal shelters worldwide are full of unwanted puppies and kittens, and unfortunately, most will be euthanised before they can find homes. There are also some that never make it to the animal shelter and are abandoned and left to fend for themselves, or worse. All of that suffering can be prevented if every pet owner just makes the effort to have their pet desexed. With responsible pet ownership comes the responsibility of making sure your pet isn’t going to procreate, unless you plan to breed them.
In NSW, there are reduced registration fees for dogs and cats that are desexed, and besides not adding to the problem of unwanted animals, spaying or neutering your pet has many health benefits. You’ll also find your pet is much nicer and easier to get along with when they’re not concerned with keeping their own population levels up.
How Old Should They Be?
Pets grow fast and your female kitten is ready to start breeding as young as four months old. Your female dog is capable of becoming a mother at around six months old. Male animals take a few more months to mature, but by 12 months old, most will be eager to go out and reproduce.
Don’t assume other pet owners are being responsible and getting their pets desexed. Do the right thing for you and your pet by visiting your veterinary clinic and having your male dog or cat neutered by six months of age. This is the latest you should be having the procedure performed, and it can be done much earlier. Your female puppy or kitten should be spayed before they’re four months old, and this can be done much earlier too.
The Benefits of Desexing
Neutering (for male pets) or spaying (for female pets) has health benefits for your pet, as well as benefits for you too.
Some people, especially men with male pets, think that desexing their pet will make them less ‘manly’, and since males can’t get pregnant, it becomes someone else’s problem if their pet is out breeding with the neighbourhood pets. This is an outdated attitude and doesn’t do your pets any favours.
Not only does desexing prevent unwanted litters, but it also adds years to your pet’s life by preventing disease and illness such as prostate problems and cancer in males, and mammary cancer and uterine infections in females.
Your pet will be less aggressive and less inclined to wander and risk injury or death on busy roads, or from fighting with other animals. Neutering your male pet also prevents urine marking and the accompanying smell – think tom cats marking their territory, which is also your home.
Generally, desexed pets are happier, cleaner and healthier because they’re no longer ruled by their hormones in a constant need to keep the species going at all costs.
Specialist Veterinary Services in Sydney
If your pet needs desexing or have any other veterinary issues, speak to our specialist vets at Sydney Veterinary Emergency & Specialists today. Book an appointment from Monday to Friday 8:30am-6pm or contact us for emergency and after-hours care. Call us on (02) 9197 5800, contact us online or learn more about our services.
