It’s the question on many people’s minds as to whether they should neuter their pets or not. Some say it’s ‘unnatural’ or mean while others have their appointment booked the day their pet is ready. Here are a few reassuring reason why you should neuter your pet.

1. Health-Spayed or Neutered pets have a lowered chance of developing cancers of the reproductive organs and mammary glands. Hormones cause cancers to grow and spread rapidly and not having them present can prevent that.

2. Safety-Un-neutered males have a tendency to wander out of the garden searching for a mate.  This could lead to them getting hit by a car, stolen, or cause a disturbance to neighboring dogs. They tend to be more aggressive and will get into a fight and get hurt or even impregnate a dog you, and their owner, wouldn’t want to of had puppies with. (Diluting pure bred bloodlines)

3. Domestication- If you neuter an animal it changes their thought process from the instinct to reproduce to that of being your pet. Taking away reproductive hormones does absolutely no damage whatsoever. It actually calms them and could lead to easier housebreaking as most un-neutered males have a tendency to mark their territory and that includes your entire house.

4. Over-population- There is a growing problem in Ireland, and most countries, of over-population in domesticated pets. People are breeding to make money but in a recession not all puppies are being bought so there is a surplus of dogs on the market. Plus the overflow problem in charitable organizations like MADRA and Galway SPCA are ever increasing. They can’t keep up with the demands of sheltering unwanted animals that get abandoned every day.

It is not cruel to want to neuter your animal. It simply means you’re looking out for their best interest and keeping them safe and home. If you have any questions or concerns about neutering your pet, contact your local veterinarian and they should be able to put your mind at ease.