Spaying or neutering provides many health benefits and behavior benefits in addition to helping to reduce the overpopulation of pets.

Surgically altering animals to control reproduction goes by many names, "neutering" and "spaying" being the two most common terms. Neutering involves the removal of both testicles from the male, and therefore the removal of sperm-producing tissues. Spaying involves the removal of the uterus and both ovaries from the female. Spayed females conceive and will not go through heat cycles after surgery.

Why should I spay or neuter my pet? A great deal of attention should be paid to controlling unwanted pregnancies in our pets. Although everyone thinks puppies and kittens are cute, there are just too many of them. If we were to take care of all the homeless pets in this country, every man, woman and child would have to own seven pets, that's 28 pets for a family of four. Obviously, this is impossible.

Unfortunately, many of these unwanted puppies and kittens end up abandoned and eventually die of starvation, suffer injuries and death from car accidents or are euthanized animal control facilities. Those who survive can be public health hazards, carrying diseases to other animals and even to people.

Health benefits:

In addition to preventing the birth of unwanted animals, spaying and neutering will help your pets live longer, healthier lives. There are many health benefits associated with these surgeries. Males, after neutering, have a reduction in the size of the prostate gland, which greatly decreases their risk of bacterial infections and prostate in later years. Males should be altered about one year of age in order to obtain the most health benefits.

Spaying female dogs eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of mammary cancer, especially if your pet is spayed before her first heat cycle.

Contrary to popular belief, there is no reason to wait until your female pet has gone through a heat cycle to have her spayed. There are NO medical benefits in waiting in fact, it is better for her later health to NOT go through a heat. Also, the chance of your pet becoming pregnant even during one heat cycle is good, and going through a pregnancy is to your pet and costly to you.

Another common misconception about spaying and neutering is that altered animals become fat. While it is true that an animal's metabolism will change after the surgery, obesity results only because people overfeed and under exercise their pets. You should monitor the weight of recently altered animals and adjust their diets and exercise to maintain optimal weight and fitness.

Behavior benefits:

Altering your pet will make him or her a better, more affectionate companion. Altered pets are not as likely to roam or get into fights. Also aggressive tendencies can be curbed by having your pet altered. The surgery does not the animal any less protective, however, nor does it affect the personality of your pet. Dogs have natural instincts to protect their homes and families. In fact, your neutered dog may be an even better protector after surgery, because he will not be distracted and tempted to run off, but will be happy to stay at home with you.

Do a wonderful thing for your pet and yourself by having him or her neutered or spayed. These surgeries are one time investments in the long term health and happiness of your pet.

By William Kusterbeck DVM

Why Should You Spay/Neuter Your Dog and Cat?

Health Reasons

Spayed/neutered animals live longer on average than intact animals and their overall health is better.
Reduces or eliminates the risk of mammary, testicular and prostate cancer.
Reduces or eliminates false pregnancies, serious bacterial uterine infections and hormonal imbalances which sometimes lead to kidney failure.
Prevents complications and dangers of giving birth.

Behavior

Pets are calmer and less territorial making them less apt to challenge other dogs and people, especially children.
Dogs are far less likely to bite - 95% of maulings are committed by intact dogs.
Altered pets are more comfortable since they don't go through heats or suffer from PMS or are in a perpetual state of frustration.
Pets are less likely to roam, get lost, injured or killed.
Cuts down on embarrassing sexual behaviors, urination in the house, messy heats, crying, loud yowling and spraying in cats.

Reproductive Control

Your pet cannot add to overpopulation. Most animals are out of the owner's control at some time and accidents do happen, (stays with the groomer, veterinarian, kennel, pet sitter, dog walker or while in a dog run).

Miscellaneous

Saves taxpayers money-it costs the city an average of $100 to pick up, hold and then kill an animal vs. only $40 to spay or neuter it.
Helps control overcrowding at city shelters - allowing them to have more room for the animals, spend more time with each one and find homes for the ones already there.
It's the responsible thing to do. spaying/neutering has been proven to significantly reduce the number animals euthanized.