Why Spay or Neuter?

It's tempting to want to breed your darling or not deprive your dog of his "manhood", but about 10 million "excess" dogs and cats will be killed in shelters this year, while millions of homeless animals live short, hard, hungry lives on the streets, only to die miserably from disease, injury, or predation. About one third of animals in shelters are purebreds, either intentionally or accidentally bred. By being a responsible caregiver and sterilizing your companion animals, you avoid contributing to this terrible problem of pet overpopulation.

Spaying or Neutering Your Pet

One step you can take to ensure your pet will lead a long, happy and healthy life is to consider early spaying or neutering.

In general, both male and female dogs and cats not part of a carefully planned breeding program should be spayed or neutered by six months of age. Spaying or neutering your pet will also help reduce the number of unwanted or abandoned animals.

Non-spayed female dogs usually go through an estrus, or heat cycle, approximately every six months. This heat cycle may last up to three or four weeks. In addition to bleeding, some female dogs may experience personality changes during their heat cycles, such as becoming aggressive. Surgical spaying of female dogs and cats eliminates heat cycles. The surgery, which technically is an ovariohysterectomy, includes the removal of both the ovaries and the uterus. Spaying your female dog prevents uterine infections, pregnancies, and reduces the chance of developing mammary tumors. Studies show that spaying your female dog before her first heat cycle can greatly reduce her chances of developing mammary cancer in later life. It is not necessary, or even desirable, to wait to spay your female dog until they have gone through a heat cycle.

Non-neutered male dogs are prone to roam in search of a mate. In doing so, they are more likely to fight with other animals, and to be hit by cars. In addition, male cats and dogs are more likely to mark their territories by urinating on furniture, walls, shrubs, trees, and other objects. Also, the urine of non-neutered male cats usually has a pungent odor.Surgical neutering of male dogs and cats eliminates most roaming behavior. The surgery, which technically is an orchiectomy, includes removal of the testicles. Neutering your male dog prevents testicular tumors, reduces the chance of developing perianal tumors and prostate disease in later life, and reduces the desire to mark territory. Your male dog or cat will also be happier to stay at home with you.  It should be emphasized that spaying or neutering your pet will not change their unique personality. Having your pet spayed or neutered when they are young and healthy will further reduce the already low risk of anesthetic and surgery, and will maximize the long-term health benefits of the procedure.

What do "spay" and "neuter" really mean?

• Female dogs are spayed by removing their reproductive organs
• Male dogs 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 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. Spaying a dog eliminates her heat cycle, which can average 6 to 12 days, often twice a year. Females in heat can cry incessantly, show nervous behavior, and attract unwanted males. 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 or Neutering Is 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.

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!

Low Cost Spaying And Neutering

SPAY/USA is a national referral service for the public regarding low cost spay/neuter programs. By calling their toll-free number, 1-800-248-SPAY, you will receive information about the nearest low-cost program and will be sent a certificate as proof you have gone through the SPAY/USA network.