What do "spay" and "neuter" really
mean?
- Female dogs and cats are "spayed" by removing their reproductive
organs (uterus and ovaries), and male dogs and cats are "neutered"
by removing their testicles.
- "Castration" is another term frequently used in place of
"neutering". The terms refers to the same procedure in dogs
and cats. Other terms which are frequently used include
"altering" or "sterilization". These terms refer
to the same procedures as spaying and neutering.
- In both cases, the operation is performed while the pet is under general
anesthesia. Depending on your pet's age, size, and health; he or she
may stay at the veterinarian's office a few hours or a few days.
- Depending on the procedure, your pet may have stitches that will stay in
for 10 to 14 days.
- Your veterinarian can fully explain spay and neuter procedures with you
and answer any questions you may have.
There are lots of good reasons to spay or neuter your
pet...
- Spay or Neutering is Good for your Pet:
- Spaying and neutering extends your pet's life.
- Altered animals live
longer, healthier lives.
- Female cats and dogs have reduced risks of uterine,
ovarian, and breast cancers.
- Spayed females have almost no risk of uterine
infections (pyometra), which occurs most commonly in
intact older females and can be a life-threatening
condition if left untreated.
- Male cats and dogs have reduced risks of
prostate and testicular cancers.
- Both males are females are less likely to roam and fight; or catch and
spread contagious diseases if they are altered.
- Spay or Neutering is Good for You:
- Spaying and Neutering calms your pet.
- Altered animals make more
affectionate companions.
- Altered animals are less likely to bite because
they are more even-tempered.
- Spaying and neutering increases your pet's safety.
- Neutered males are less
likely to roam, run away, or get into fights.
- Spayed females are less likely
to attract unwanted animals into your yard.
- Spaying and neutering results in a cleaner home!
- Neutered cats are less
likely to spray and mark territory.
- Spaying eliminates carpet stains from
bloody fluid passed by female dogs during the heat cycle.
- Spaying will eliminate the estrous or "heat" cycles in female animals.
-
Estrous cycles can last an average of 6 to 12 days (often twice a year) in
dogs, and an average of 3 to 7 days (often 3
times a year) in cats.
- Females in heat can cry incessantly, show
nervous behavior, and attract unwanted male animals.
- Spay or Neutering is Good for the Community:
- Spaying and neutering spares the lives of unwanted pets. Only 1 in 9 cats
and dogs born in the U.S. will find a home. The rest will be destroyed
because nobody wants them.
- Communities spend millions of dollars to control
and eliminate unwanted animals. Animal shelters are overburdened with
surplus animals
- Stray pets and homeless animals get into trash containers, defecate in
public areas (playgrounds, parks, beaches, etc.) or in private lawns;
and frighten or anger people who have no understanding of their misery
or needs.
- Stray animals also threaten wildlife populations by scaring away or
killing birds and native wildlife.
Myths and Facts about Spaying and Neutering:
- My pet will get fat and lazy... The truth is most pets
become overweight because they overeat and are not given enough exercise
opportunities. Just like people, pets are affected by their diet and
lifestyle.
- It's better to have one litter first... Medical evidence
indicates just the opposite. In fact, the evidence shows that females
spayed before their first heat are typically healthier. Many
veterinarians now sterilize dogs and cats as young as eight weeks of
age. Check with your veterinarian about the appropriate time for these
procedures.
- But my pet is a purebred... So is at least one out of every
four pets brought to animal shelters around the country. In fact,
there are pure breed rescue groups that deal with finding homes just for
purebred animals. These groups, like the shelters, are overburdened
with abandoned animals. There are just too many dogs and cats- mixed
and purebred!
- I want my dog to be protective... Spaying and neutering does
not affect a dog's natural instinct to protect home and family. A
dog's personality is formed more by genetics and environment than by sex
hormones.
- I don't want my male pet to feel like less of a male... Pets
don't have any concept of sexual identity or ego. Neutering will not
change a pet's basic personality. He doesn't suffer any kind of
emotional reaction or identity crisis when neutered.
- It's too expensive to have my pet spayed or neutered... The
cost of spaying or neutering depends on the sex, size, and age of the pet;
your veterinarian's fees, and a number of other variables. Whatever
the actual price, spay or neuter surgery is a one-time cost- a relatively
small cost when compared to all the benefits. It's a bargain compared
to the cost of having a litter and ensuring the health of the mother and the
litter. Two months of pregnancy and another two months until the
litter is weaned can add up to significant cost for food and veterinary
care, even more if complications develop. Most importantly, it's a
very small price to pay for the health of your pet and the prevention of
more unwanted pets.
- I'll find good homes for all the puppies and kittens... You
may find homes for all of your pet's litter, but each home you find is one
less home for each puppy or kitten already waiting for homes in animal
shelters across the country. Also, in less than one year's time, each
of your pet's offspring may have a litter of their own, adding even more
animals to the population. The problem of pet overpopulation is
created and perpetuated one litter at a time.
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