There are a host of benefits to neutering a dog, cat or other pet. But despite the neutering benefits like less territorial marking, less aggression, a decreased risk of cancer and better overall health, many pet owners are still hesitant to neuter a pet.
Many neuter-hesitant dog owners, cat owners and other animal lovers genuinely believe that the neutered male will "miss" his male anatomy. Other pet owners fear that their dog will be disqualified from dog shows, cat shows and other competitions, and this may even discourage a pet owner from neutering a dog when a male-related illness strikes.
Fortunately, there is a solution for pet owners who want the health and behavior benefits of neutering, while also maintaining that "manly" appearance of an intact male pet - Neuticles..
What Are Neuticles? How Do Neuticles Work?
Neuticles are testicular implants made from human-grade materials. They are available in many sizes, from very small, for cats and small dogs to very large, for bulls, horses and other large domestic animals.
Neuticles can be implanted at the time when a pet or other domestic animal is neutered or years after the male has undergone neutering surgery.
The only major restriction in terms of when Neuticles can be implanted concerns the animal's growth stage. In cats and dogs, for instance, Neuticles should generally be implanted no sooner than nine months of age. Implant Neuticles too soon before the pet is done growing, and it can be difficult to determine what size Neuticles would best suit the pet - the animal may end up with Neuticles that are abnormally small or abnormally large. So waiting to implant Neuticles until the dog, cat or other pet is close to his adult size will ensure a natural, unneutered appearance.
How Much to Neuticles Cost?
The price of Neuticles depends on the size and model. A pair of Neuticle Originals starts at $73, while a pair of Neuticles UltraPlus - made with a special etching that resists the development of scar tissue for a more natural appearance - start at $329 a pair.
Pet owners can also opt for Neuticle Naturals, a less rigid silicone implant that not only looks natural - it feels natural too.
In addition, Neuticles accepts special orders for custom sizes. So in theory, if a rat owner would like to neuter a male rat and implant Neuticals, it's absolutely possible.
How Will My Dog, Cat or Other Pet's Body React to the Neuticles?
Rejection is the most common concern among pet owners, but Neuticles are like any other high quality, human-grade implant; they're engineered to be accepted by the animal's body.
According to the makers of Neuticles, 100,000 neutered dogs, cats, horses, cows and other domestic animals have been implanted with Neuticles since 1995; not one complication or incidence of rejection has been reported as a result of the Neuticle implants.
In addition, pet owners can rest assured that that if something does go wrong with their pet's Neuticles, everything will be okay, as Neuticles says that "each Neuticled pet is insured for up to $2 million against any complication."
Where Can I Find a Vet to Implant Neuticles?
Neuticles are simple to implant, therefore, the manufacturer says that virtually any veterinarian who can neuter a dog, cat or other pet can implant Neuticles. If a vet is not experienced with implanting Neuticles, the Neuticles manufacturer will send out information on how to implant these testiular implants.
Neuticles customers also have the option of contacting the company for a referral to a veterinarian in the area who is experienced with Neuticle implantation in neutered animals.
To learn more about Neuticles, visit the official Neuticles website.
For more information on neutering, check out How Do I Neuter a Dog? and How to Care for a Dog After Neutering Surgery, along with How to Clean a Pet's Incision After Surgery.
Mia Carter - Mia Carter - Journalist, Producer/Editor & Web Writer. Carter's work has appeared on CBS and CNN.com.
Join the Conversation