Spaying and neutering: myths and facts

Correct answer: B. No, it brings no health benefit

This is a common myth. A litter does not improve a dog's health or temperament; pregnancy and birth carry their own risks, and many puppies end up without homes. Choose the timing of spaying together with your vet.

Correct answer: C. A life-threatening uterine infection, mainly in unspayed females

Pyometra is pus filling the uterus, often a few weeks after a heat. Signs include drinking and urinating more, lethargy, loss of appetite and sometimes a vaginal discharge. Untreated it can cause sepsis and death, and it usually needs emergency surgery. A spayed female whose uterus has been removed cannot develop it.

Correct answer: A. It lowers the risk considerably

Studies show cats spayed before 6 months have a much lower risk of mammary tumours than intact cats, and the benefit shrinks the later spaying is done. Mammary tumours in cats are usually malignant, so this is one of the main health benefits of spaying.

Correct answer: C. Energy needs drop and appetite may rise, but diet and exercise keep weight in check

After the hormonal change a pet needs fewer calories while its appetite often increases; if portions stay the same, it gains weight. Reduce portions or switch to a suitable food, weigh regularly and keep the animal active. Your vet can help work out the right amount.

Correct answer: B. Urine marking, roaming and fighting decrease

Most neutered males spray less, roam less and fight other males less. Fight bites spread infections such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), so this matters for health too. The cat's personality and playfulness stay.

Correct answer: A. From about 4–6 months

Cats mature early, some as young as 4 months, which is why so many unplanned litters follow the thought "she's still a kitten". If you don't plan to breed, agree the timing of spaying with your vet early, while she is still a kitten.

Correct answer: C. It depends on breed, size and sex: decide together with your vet

There is no single best age for every dog. Some studies link very early neutering in large breeds with a higher risk of certain joint disorders, so a later age is sometimes recommended for them, while in small breeds early neutering often has clear benefits. The vet weighs breed, size, sex, health and living situation.

Correct answer: B. Fit a cone or a recovery suit and check the incision daily

Licking brings bacteria into the wound and opens the stitches; it is one of the most common causes of complications after surgery. Use a cone or a recovery suit until the vet has checked the incision. Look at it every day and call the clinic if you see swelling, redness, discharge or a gap. Do not put anything on it unless the vet says so.

Correct answer: D. Its basic personality stays; hormone-driven behaviour may decrease

A dog's character, loyalty and guarding instinct come mostly from genetics, upbringing and experience. Neutering may reduce hormone-driven behaviour: searching for females, escaping, sometimes marking. Laziness is usually down to extra weight, which diet takes care of.

Correct answer: A. Every unplanned litter adds to the street population, and neutering stops this humanely

A cat can have several litters a year and a dog several puppies per litter. Many end up on the street, where they fall ill, go hungry or spread rabies. Neutering pets and trap-neuter-vaccinate-return programmes for strays reduce the population humanely.