Spay and Neuter

The Myths vs. the Facts

"A female should have at least one heat cycle/litter of offspring". Having your female pet spayed at a younger age prevents potentially fatal uterine infections and reduces the risk of mammary cancer, both of which are very common in unspayed females.

" My pet will get fat and lazy" While your pet's metabolism may slow down, getting plenty of excercise and adjusting food intake accordingly will keep your pet just as trim as he was before surgery.

"I don't have to worry about it because my pet is male". While a female can become pregnant with only one litter at a time, a male can sire countless litters at once.

"My pet is special (purebred/unusual/exceptionally sweet or smart), so there should be more pets like him/her". There is little chance of your pet's offspring being exactly like them, no matter how special you find them. As for purebred pets, many of the homeless pets found in shelters are purebred also. A lck of homes for all of the pets available applies to all breeds, not just mutts.

"I want my children to witness the miracle of birth". More often than not, pets go off by themselves to have their litters, generally in the middle of the night. There is no guarantee that your child will witness anything at all.

"My dog won't be a good watchdog after surgery". If your dog was a good watchdog before the surgery, they will be a good watchdog after the surgery. In fact, after being neutered, male dogs are less likely to give in to the wanderlust that they feel when their hormones are driving them to find females in heat up to several miles away. When neutered, they are more devoted to their families and more focused on their home.

"I can find good homes for the offspring." You have no control over what happens to those babies once they leave your care. More than half will likely end up in shelters, or they will be abused or neglected growing up. They could also produce more litters that face the same fate.

"My pet's behavior will change too much after surgery. He won't be the same pet I loved before surgery" If your pet's behavior changes after surgery, it will likely be for the better. Pet's are more focused and less prone to destructive behavior and marking territory.

"It cost too much." It cost far more to handle the consequences of unexpected pregnancy. From vaccination and checkups, to future vet bills and the potential for destructive behavior, a one time surgery bill is much less expensive. There is also the ultimate costs to the public of all those unwanted pets in shelters to consider.

 Spay or Neuter

It's the Right Thing To Do.