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Responsible Pet Care—Spaying and Neutering
What is it exactly?
- “Spaying” refers to the surgical procedure for sterilizing female animals (removing the reproductive organs). Specifically, the uterus and both ovaries are removed from the abdomen.
- “Neutering” refers to the surgical procedure for sterilizing male animals (removing the reproductive organs). Specifically, both testicles are removed from the scrotum.
Why is it important?
Spaying and neutering provide a longer and healthier life for your pet. Major health benefits include:
- Eliminate the risk of developing ovarian and testicular cancer and infections
- Greatly reduce the risk of developing mammary (breast) cancer in females, which is almost always fatal
- If spayed before the first heat, dogs have a less than 1% chance of getting mammary cancer
- After the first heat and the risk goes up to an almost 10% chance
- After the second heat the risk goes up again to more than a 25% chance
- If done after 2.5 years of age, there is no reduction in the risk
- Cats who are not spayed are 7 times more likely to develop mammary cancer
- Decreased incidence of prostate infections and other problems
- Fewer injuries and illnesses due to fighting and roaming
Prevent pet overpopulation. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that nearly 8-10 million dogs and cats are placed in shelters each year, and nearly half of those are euthanized (put to sleep). Other facts about overpopulation
- 2500-3000 dogs and cats are born every hour in this country
- One female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 more cats in 7 years
- One female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 more dogs in 6 years
- One of every four pets (25%) brought to a shelter are purebred
- Stray and unwanted animals spread many diseases to other pets AND PEOPLE!
- Stray and unwanted animals are a threat to wild animals and the environment
Unraveling the myths
- Contrary to popular belief, spaying and neutering does NOT cause animals to become overweight (it does however, lower their caloric need, thus they do not have to be fed as much as an intact animal).
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- It is NOT better to wait until after the first heat or litter to spay a female animal. In fact, it is much safer and healthier to have them spayed no later than 6 months of age (before the first heat).
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- It will NOT cost more to have an animal spayed or neutered. In fact, over the years, the money saved by avoiding illness and injuries (not to mention pregnancy and puppy or kitten care) associated with intact animals will by far, exceed the cost of the surgery.
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- Intact animals DO NOT make better protectors of the home and family. Usually animals become much more bonded with family members AFTER being spayed or neutered and are much less aggressive and unpredictable.
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