Neutering Myths Debunked

Neutering is one of the most common veterinary procedures carried out in the UK, yet myths and misconceptions still cause many pet owners to hesitate. Worries about personality changes, weight gain, or harming their pet’s wellbeing are frequently cited reasons for delay. The truth is, neutering offers a host of benefits – and many of the concerns are unfounded.

In this article, we’ll tackle some of the most common myths about neutering and give you the facts every responsible pet owner should know.

Myth 1: “Neutering Will Change My Pet’s Personality”

Neutering does not negatively affect your pet’s core personality. Your dog won’t become lethargic, your cat won’t become dull, and your rabbit won’t lose its affectionate nature. What it can do is reduce hormonally driven behaviours such as aggression, roaming, spraying, and mounting – all of which are often seen as unwanted traits.

Neutering may actually help your pet become calmer and more focused, particularly in male animals, making them easier to train and more enjoyable to live with. You should however, seek behavioural advice prior to neutering if you are seeking a resolution to problem behaviour such as aggression, as in some cases, neutering can worsen these issues.

Myth 2: “My Pet Will Gain Weight After Neutering”

Weight gain is not caused by neutering – it’s caused by overeating and lack of exercise. While it’s true that neutered pets may have slightly lower energy requirements, you can easily manage their weight with proper diet and regular activity.

Speak to your vet about adjusting food portions after the procedure and keep your pet active with daily walks or playtime. With the right care, your neutered pet will remain lean and healthy.

Myth 3: “It’s Better to Let My Pet Have One Litter First”

There is no medical benefit to letting a pet have a litter before being spayed. In fact, spaying a female pet before her first heat offers the greatest protection against mammary tumours and eliminates the risk of uterine infections like pyometra.

Letting your pet breed "just once" also contributes to the growing number of unwanted animals in shelters. Neutering helps prevent unplanned litters and reduces the strain on rescue centres.

Myth 4: “It’s Unnatural to Neuter a Pet”

While it’s true that neutering is a human decision, it's one made with your pet’s best interests in mind. In the wild, many animals don’t live long enough to experience the same health issues that domestic pets face, such as reproductive cancers or dangerous infections.

Neutering is a safe, responsible choice that can help your pet live a longer, healthier life with fewer medical risks and complications.

Myth 5: “My Pet Is Too Young or Too Old to Be Neutered”

Vets now recommend neutering at a younger age, often from around 4–6 months old, depending on the species and breed. Early neutering offers health and behavioural benefits, including cancer prevention and reduced risk of unwanted behaviours.

Older pets can also be safely neutered, though your vet may recommend blood tests or additional monitoring. Age alone should not be a barrier – your vet can guide you on the best timing for your individual pet.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the truth about neutering helps you make informed, compassionate choices for your pet’s health. Don’t let outdated myths stand in the way of a simple procedure that can improve your pet’s wellbeing and quality of life.

Still have questions? Speak to our team today and get personalised advice tailored to your pet's needs.

Save money, and help your pet live a happy and healthy life with Vital Pets Club, by Roundwood Vets.