Neutering Your Male Pet: Benefits & What to Expect

At Lake Air Animal Hospital, we provide professional neutering (castration) services to improve your pet’s health, behavior, and overall well-being. Neutering involves the removal of the testicles in male pets and is commonly performed on dogs and cats, but it can also be done for rabbits, rats, squirrels, and other small animals.

Why Neuter Your Pet?

Neutering offers numerous health and behavioral benefits, including:

Health Benefits:

Prevents testicular cancer and reduces the risk of other cancers.
Lowers the chances of prostate disease and certain hernias.
Reduces the likelihood of hormone-related skin conditions.

Behavioral Benefits:

Decreases roaming, reducing the risk of accidents or getting lost.
Lessens aggressive tendencies and territorial marking (such as urine spraying in cats).
Reduces dominance-related behaviors and fighting with other males.

The Neutering Procedure & Recovery

Neutering is a routine surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia. Our veterinarians ensure your pet’s safety and comfort throughout the process.

For Dogs: A small incision is made in front of the scrotum, the testicles are removed, and the incision is closed with sutures or staples.
For Cats: Two tiny incisions are made in the scrotum, and the testicles are removed. No stitches are required.

Recovery Time:

Cats usually recover within 1-2 days and can return to normal litter box use after one week.
Dogs need 2-3 days of limited activity and typically return to normal within 4-5 days.

Post-Surgery Care:

Prevent licking or irritation of the incision—an Elizabethan collar (E-collar) can help.
Keep your pet calm and limit activity for at least one week.
Monitor for swelling, redness, or unusual discharge and contact us if you notice any concerns.

Understanding Cryptorchidism (Undescended Testicles)

If one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum (a condition called cryptorchidism), they should be surgically removed. Undescended testicles have a high risk of developing cancer and should never be used for breeding, as the condition is genetic.

Common Questions About Neutering

Will my pet become overweight?
No, neutering does not cause weight gain—overfeeding and lack of exercise do.
Will neutering change my pet’s personality?
No, neutering does not affect your pet’s personality, but it can reduce hormone-driven behaviors like marking and aggression.
When is the best age to neuter?
The ideal age for neutering dogs and cats is around 6 months, though it can be done later if needed.

Help Prevent Pet Overpopulation

Millions of pets are euthanized annually due to overpopulation. Neutering helps reduce the number of unwanted litters and improves the overall health and longevity of pets. By choosing to neuter your pet, you’re making a responsible decision for both your furry friend and the pet community.

📞 Schedule your pet’s neutering appointment at Lake Air Animal Hospital today!