What do "spay" and "neuter" really mean?
Female dogs and cats are spayed by removing their
reproductive organs, and male dogs and cats are neutered by
removing their testicles. In both cases the operation is
performed while the pet is under anesthesia. Depending on
your pet's age, size, and health, he or she will stay at
your veterinarian's office for a few hours or a few days.
Depending upon the procedure, your pet may need stitches
removed after a few days. Your veterinarian can fully
explain spay and neuter procedures to you and discuss with
you the best age at which to sterilize your pet.
Spaying or Neutering Is Good
for Your Pet
- Spaying and neutering helps dogs and cats live
longer, healthier lives.
- Spaying and neutering can eliminate or reduce the
incidence of a number of health problems that can be
very difficult or expensive to treat.
- Spaying eliminates the possibility of uterine or
ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of
breast cancer, particularly when your pet is spayed
before her first estrous cycle.
- Neutering eliminates testicular cancer and decreases
the incidence of prostate disease.
Spaying or Neutering Is Good
for You
- Spaying and neutering makes pets better, more
affectionate companions.
- Neutering cats makes them less likely to spray and
mark territory.
- Spaying a dog or cat eliminates her heat cycle.
Estrus lasts an average of six to 12 days, often twice a
year, in dogs and an average of six to seven days, three
or more times a year, in cats. Females in heat can cry
incessantly, show nervous behavior, and attract unwanted
male animals.
- Unsterilized animals often exhibit more behavior and
temperament problems than do those who have been spayed
or neutered.
- Spaying and neutering can make pets less likely to
bite.
- Neutering makes pets less likely to roam the
neighborhood, run away, or get into fights.
Spaying and Neutering Are Good
for the Community
- Communities spend millions of dollars to control
unwanted animals.
- Irresponsible breeding contributes to the problem of
dog bites and attacks.
- Animal shelters are overburdened with surplus
animals.
- Stray pets and homeless animals get into trash
containers, defecate in public areas or on private
lawns, and frighten or anger people who have no
understanding of their misery or needs.
- Some stray animals also scare away or kill birds and
wildlife.
Fix That Bunny!
When being conscientious about the pet
overpopulation, don’t forget to spay or neuter your pet
rabbit. Altering rabbits can reduce hormone-driven behavior
such as lunging, mounting, spraying, and boxing. Spaying
females can prevent ovarian, mammarian, and uterine cancers,
which can be prevalent in mature does. Also, rabbits
reproduce faster than dogs or cats and are the third-most
surrendered animal to shelters.
Spay or neuter surgery carries a one-time cost that is
relatively small when one considers its benefits. It's a
small price to pay for the health of your pet and the
prevention of more unwanted animals.
