Consequences of Neutering Animals

Animals, particularly dogs and cats, are neutered or spayed to remove their ability to reproduce. Neutering and spaying affects an animal's behavior, but also lessens its susceptibility to illness. Owners considering spaying or neutering should carefully consider the role the animal will play in their lives as well as the consequences of neutering.

  1. Inability to Breed

    • It's obvious, but worth noting, that the neutering or spaying process, once complete, cannot be reversed by any medical procedure. Both male and female animals become permanently unable to breed. In the case of a pedigree animal, that would make it impossible for an owner to sell the animal's young.

    Decreased Aggression

    • In some male animals, especially dogs, one consequence of neutering is the reduced aggression the animal shows toward people and other animals, thanks to the reduction in testosterone in his body. This effect can vary. It depends on when the neutering process is complete and also on the individual animal, according to the Pet Education website. Veterinarians have found that neutering is more likely to lower aggression if done before the end of the animal's first year of life.

    Less Danger From Illness

    • Cats and dogs both benefit from the protection neutering affords them against a range of life-threatening illnesses. The chance an animal will get many types of cancer is reduced or eliminated by neutering and spaying. For instance, it is impossible for an animal to develop testicular cancer after neutering or ovarian cancer after spaying. The likelihood of an animal developing prostate cancer is also greatly reduced, notes the St. Lucia Animal Protection Society website. Also, spayed female dogs can't catch the disease pyometra, which is caused by an infection in the uterus. Pyometra is brought about when the lining of the uterus thickens to a point that cysts grow within it. The illness is potentially fatal.

    Increased Concentration

    • Male dogs that have been neutered tend not to be as distracted by other male dogs -- or female dogs in heat. This means the neutered dog has a much better attention span, and is easier to train.

    Other Advantages

    • Neutered pets also retain less of their natural wild instincts. They are less likely to display potentially disruptive behaviors, such as over-breeding or attacking local wildlife. Neutered or spayed animals also tend not to run away or fight for their territory.