SHOULD YOU SPAY OR NEUTER YOUR PET?

The choice to spay or neuter your pet may be one of the most important decisions you make impacting their longterm health - and your wallet! Studies have found that neutering could have many health benefits for your pet and can prevent them from developing serious health issues in the future, not to mention an unwanted litter.

What does it mean to neuter my pet?

Neutering is a surgery performed to remove an animal’s reproductive organ:

• Removal of the ovaries and uterus in females is also referred to as spay.

• Removal of the testicles in males is also referred to as castration.

Pets recover quickly from the surgery and, in young and healthy pets, the anesthesia risk is very low.

When should I spay or neuter my pet?

Cats are sexually mature at around 6 months old usually, but some cats can present some signs as young as 4 months old. So, it is recommended to neuter them at around 5-6 months old.

For dogs, it depends on the breed. It is recommended to neuter a small breed dog at 6 months old. Larger breed dogs should be neutered when they are older, around 9-15 months old.

Does it cause a behavioral change for my pet?

While a pet’s fundamental personality will not change after a spay or neuter surgery, there are some changes you might observe, including:

• Dogs: Hinders mounting, reduces marking, suppresses territorial instincts.

• Cats: Hinders roaming, suppresses fighting, reduces urge to mark (spray).

How much does the surgery cost?

Prices in general start around 500 AED for the procedure, depending on your vet and the sex of your pet. Additional costs may apply to any tests that your vet recommends prior to surgery.