Why Spay and Neuter?

Why Spay And Neuter?  

Benefits of spaying your female pet (ovariohysterectomy)

• Eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer
• Eliminated unwanted pregnancies
• If spayed before the first heat cycle, your pet has a less than 1% chance of developing breast cancer.  If spayed after one heat cycle, your pet has an 8% chance of developing breast cancer.  If spayed after two heat cycles, the risk increases to 26%.  After two years, no protective benefit exists. 
• Pets with diabetes or epilepsy should be spayed to prevent hormonal changes that may interfere with medication.  
• Eliminates unwanted litters 

 Neutering your male pet (castration)

• Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer.  Testicular cancer is the second most common tumor in male dogs
• Greatly reduces the risk of prostatitis and prostate cancer
• Reduces the risk of perianal tumors
• Reduces roaming and fighting
• Eliminates or reduces spraying or marking in males neutered before the age of 6 months 
• Eliminates the risk and spread of sexually transmitted diseases
• Eliminates unwanted litters

Common myths
Spaying or neutering your pet does not:

• Cause laziness or hyperactivity
• Reduce its instinct to protect your family and home
• Cause immature behaviors
• Postpone or delay normal behavior maturity
• Alter its personality in any manner

**More than 4 million pets are euthanized in U.S. animal shelters each year simply because they have no home.  Many puppies and kittens less than 6 months old.  Help stop this needless loss of life.  Take the pledge to spay or neuter your pet!  

Interested in helping out homeless pets?  Donate food/supplies or make a monetary donation to your local shelter or rescue group.  Thinking about adding another furry friend to your family?   Check out Petfinder to search for adoptable pets in your area.  Pets in shelters and rescues are already spayed/neutered and many times include microchips and initial vaccines.


Reference:  Firstline 2009