Spaying/Neutering… The facts, nothing but the facts!
What Do the Terms “Spaying” and “Neutering”Mean?
“Spaying” and “neutering” are surgical procedures used to prevent pets from reproducing. In a female animal, “spaying” consists of removing the uterus and ovaries. The technical term is ovario-hysterectomy. For a male animal, “neutering” involves the removal of the testicles, and this is known as castration.
As the surgery is done under a general anaesthetic it is painless. The operation for both males and for females is straightforward and low risk. Recovery is usually uneventful. The worst your pet might experience is some discomfort for a short time after the operation.
The usual recommendation is at 6 to 7 months for both cats and dogs. Your veterinarian should be consulted to determine the best time for your pet.
Help Control Pet Overpopulation
Too many cats and dogs are euthanized annually or suffer as strays. The number of unwanted pets keeps growing. Spaying/neutering your pet is the best way for you to help control pet overpopulation.
Despite what you may have heard, having your pet spayed or neutered will not make it fat and lazy. In fact, it may help your pet live a longer life.
A spayed/neutered pet is :
-
Healthier
Spaying a female cat or dog reduces the risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer. Neutering a male cat or dog reduces the risk of testicular cancer.
- More Affectionate
Spayed/neutered cats and dogs are focused on their families, not on the instinct to create a family. Spay/neutering at an early age can may also prevent aggression problems.
- Less Likely To Misbehaved
Unneutered cats and dogs will mark their territory by spraying urine, even when indoors. While in heat, unspayed female cats will yowl and may urinate outside of their litter box to attract a mate. During a heat cycle, unspayed female dogs will be unsettled and have a bloody discharge.
- Less Likely To Roam
Unspayed/unneutered cats and dogs will stop at nothing to find a mate. They will take advantage of any opportunity to get outside. This desire to roam exposes them to an increased risk of injury and contracting disease.
- Cost Effective
PLEASE donate to pet rescueIt cost less to have your pet spayed or neutered than it does to care for an unwanted litter. And the registration fee for spayed/neutered dogs costs less than the fee for unaltered dogs.
