Neutering & Spaying

What Is Spaying And Neutering?

Spaying and neutering are surgical procedures performed by veterinarians that render dogs incapable of breeding by removing their reproductive organs. The surgeries are performed by a veterinarian while animals are under general anesthesia so that they do not feel any pain. An animal may experience some discomfort after the surgery, but most veterinarians will provide medication to help ease the soreness. The terms "de-sexing" and "animal sterilization" have the same meaning as removing the ability to reproduce.

Spaying is the surgical removal of a female animal's reproductive organs so she cannot become pregnant.
Neutering is the surgical removal of a male animal's testicles so that he cannot impregnate a female.
When someone says an animal is "fixed" or "altered" that means the animal has been spayed or neutered.

Each year, millions of stray cats and dogs end up in shelters and are eventually killed. The reason is merely to reduce their number in the community. Street animals are incapable of birth control measures without our help, and would continue to reproduce, and be killed.

A female cat or dog can reproduce at least 3 times a year, with an average of 6 offspring in the litter. Their offspring would continue to do the same, so just imagine the numbers that arise. Some animals in shelters are saved from the streets while some are given up by their families. Countless others never make it to shelters and suffer without someone to care for them. Spaying or neutering pets prevents animals from being born accidentally, and is the most effective and humane way to save animal lives.

You can do your part by neutering and spaying your pets to prevent unwanted births. It even brings other benefits to you and your pets, such as reduced risks of certain diseases and prevention of behavioral issues.

When To Spay And Neuter?

Puppies and kittens can be spayed or neutered as young as 3 months old.

Benefits For You And Your Pet.

Your companion will live a longer, healthier life, and you will experience fewer headaches if you get him or her spayed or neutered.

Spaying and neutering reduces or eliminates:

The odds of breast cancer and dangerous uterine infections in females and prostate problems and testicular cancer in males.
Frustration in resisting the natural urge to mate. Your companion will be less distracted, more easily trained, and a more content member of your family.
The animal's need to roam in search of a mate, decreasing the chances that your pet will get lost, get into fights with other animals, or be hit by a car.
Messy heat cycles in females and attracting unwanted males.
The tendency to bite. However, your pet will still be protective of his home and family even after being altered. Aggression is different from protectiveness.
Spraying, wailing, marking territory, or making inappropriate sexual approaches toward people or objects.
The extra expense for food or veterinary care in the event of an unexpected litter of puppies or kittens.

What Are Some Myths?

Pet guardians often have many misconceptions about neutering or spaying their pets. Among them:

1. My pet will become fat.

Answer: Too much food and lack of exercise makes a pet fat. If you monitor food intake and provide exercise, your pets will stay slim.

2. He's a purebred so he can't be fixed.

Answer: Purebreds and their offspring also end up homeless in shelters. Purebreds that are not spayed or neutered can also contribute to the problem of overpopulation.

3. I will find good homes for all of the kittens (or puppies).

Answer: If each of the great homes ready to welcome your pet's offspring would instead adopt from a shelter, them and you could potentially save the lives of deserving animals waiting for a new home.

4. My pet is so special I want another pet just like her.

Answer: There is no guarantee that puppies and kittens will inherit their parents' best qualities. In fact, they may just as easily inherit the worst qualities.

5. Isn't it wrong to deprive an animal of the natural right to reproduce?

Answer: No, it’s wrong to allow these animals to produce millions of unwanted offspring that are eventually killed because there aren’t enough responsible homes.

6. Won't animal shelters take care of the surplus of animals?

Answer: No. Shelters do their best to place animals in loving homes, but the number of homeless animals far exceeds the number of willing adopters. This leaves many loving and healthy animals in our community that would be euthanized. Only spaying and neutering can end the overpopulation problem.