Nothing can upset your routine as much as a litter of puppies.

Dogs Trust Malta will be offering free neutering and microchipping to people on benefits, hunters and farmers from May 5. The service will be run by the trust’s partners, SPCA Malta.

Most will also consider whether or not to neuter their dog and will want more information before making up their mind. Neutering prevents unplanned puppies because it is the removal of the reproductive organs but there is a little more to it.

Research shows that dogs that have been neutered live longer than those that haven’t. Dogs that are neutered are not likely to stray to look for a mate and therefore are less likely to get run over.

Pyometras (infectious inflammation of the uterus) are fairly common and can easily go undetected and become fatal.

The risk of a bitch developing mammary tumours increases with every cycle she has, not to mention the risk of ovarian and uterine tumours.

The story is not much better for males, who are also at higher risk for developing testicle or prostate tumours, particularly dogs with a retained testicle, if they have not been neutered.

Pregnancy is no walk in the park either. For a small dog it can be a risky business. Neutering will not guarantee that your dog will live forever but it helps prevent these potentially fatal conditions. That’s seven fewer things to worry about, and you would also stop worrying about unplanned litters.

Nothing can upset your routine as much as a litter of puppies. The mother will require more attention and vet visits and that’s just before the puppies start walking.

Then you will be living life in very short increments between cleaning and feeding, while you’re also trying to figure out who to give these puppies to, worrying if they will love them the way you love yours and trying your best to socialise these cute, vulnerable creatures so they can have a happy life. It can truly make your head spin.

Rumour has it that neutering makes your dog fat or that a bitch needs to have one litter to be healthy. That’s all they are: rumours.

Dogs get fat because they eat too much and don’t exercise enough. Even the intact ones get fat this way. Neutered dogs on the whole live longer, happier lives.

Further information on how to claim a free neuter and chip package, including a list of the participating clinics, can be obtained by phoning 7771 1100.