The reproductive cycle of our pets is an issue to which we must pay special attention. And is that, due to the captivity, this process can not be fulfilled naturally and requires special care. Because of this, it is often common for people to doubt about the convenience of castrating or sterilizing the animal.
In principle, we must bear in mind that neutering and neutering is not the same and it is important to establish the differences. In the following article, we will clarify some concepts and determine the reasons for neutering or neutering a pet.

¿What is neutering?

Castration is an invasive surgical intervention that involves the removal of the reproductive sexual organs of the pet; in the case of males, the elimination of the testes completely while, in the case of females, the elimination of the uterus and the ovaries. With this technique, the sexual behavior in the animal disappears.
In females, the risk of breast and uterine cancer is reduced. In addition, it prevents the formation of tumors in the breast and ovarian cysts. It is an alternative to avoid uterine infections, psychological pregnancies and character changes in the bitch when she is in heat.
In males, it is possible to reduce the level of aggressiveness, fights and nervousness that occur when they are in heat. Likewise, castration prevents problems of prostate, testicles and anal glands.
With castration, the pet’s sexual behavior disappears and the transmission of congenital diseases is avoided.

¿What is sterilization?

For its part, sterilization is performed as a less invasive surgery. It consists of the tubal ligation in the females and the obstruction of the spermatic ducts in the males. This technique does not eliminate sexual behavior and maintains the sexual organs in their entirety.
Like castration, sterilization prevents diseases that develop cysts and tumors in the ovaries. Also, it prevents the appearance of testicular, prostatic and anal diseases.

¿Why should we neuter or sterilizer our pets?

One of the ways to control the growth of the population of stray animals is through castration and sterilization of pets. This is how it is possible to reduce unwanted litters and the abandonment of offspring.
Sterilized or castrated, pets will live a longer and healthier life, providing greater benefits for the health of the male and female.
When the animals are in heat, they escape because of their desire to look for a mate to reproduce; by castrating the pet, this sexual behavior disappears.

¿When should the pet be neutered or sterilized?

It is recommended to perform these interventions when pets are still small. Some veterinarians choose to sterilize at 8 weeks, others at approximately 5 months of age. The veterinarian is in charge of recommending the best option.
Local anesthesia will be used at all times. Every day, due to scientific advances, these surgical interventions are less expensive and take less time. The recovery is usually very fast, between 24hrs and 48hrs.
Castration and sterilization is a crucial issue for controlling the overpopulation of dogs and cats; therefore, we recommend consulting the veterinarian about these surgical procedures, in order to avoid diseases, abandonment and unwanted pregnancies.