spay tr.v. spayed, spay·ing, spays
To remove surgically the ovaries of (an animal).
neuter tr.v. neu·tered, neu·ter·ing, neu·ters
To castrate or spay.
The process of spaying/neutering
is a safe surgical procedure. Having your pet spayed or neutered also
has significant health benefits and prevents unwanted pets.
Health benefits include:
• Prevents pregnancy and the complications arising from pregnancy and delivery.
•Eliminates the heat cycle - you won't have to listen to the sounds of your female in heat, trying to get out and find a mate.
•Reduces the urge to roam. This makes it less likely
that you will lose your pet, which in turn makes your pet less likely
to contract a disease, get in a fight, get injured, or become a victim
to cruelty, poison, or traffic.
•Reduces or eliminates the possibility of disease in the reproductive system.
•Eliminates testicular tumors and reduces prostate gland problems.
•In cats, neutering stops or reduces marking behavior (territorial spraying of urine).
Frequently Asked Questions & Concerns
"Is the operation painful?"
Spaying or neutering is performed under
general anesthesia and, therefore, your pet does not feel pain during
the procedure. After surgery there may be some discomfort, but this is
part of the normal healing process, does not last long, and can be
controlled with medication.
"When should my pet have the operation?"
Generally speaking, as early as possible. Pets
don’t understand the concept of "planned parenthood" and as soon as
your pet becomes sexually mature, he/she is capable of producing a
potentially unwanted litter. Although traditionally veterinarians have
recommended spaying/neutering around 6 months of age, prepubertal (8 to
12 weeks of age) spaying/neutering has gained increasing support among
veterinarians. Most veterinarians recommend that females be spayed
before their first estrus or "heat" period to maximize the procedure’s
cancer-sparing benefits. Because all pets are individuals, talk to your
veterinarian about the best time to neuter your particular pet.
"Will it change my pet’s intelligence or disposition?"
Only for the better. Spaying and neutering have no
effect on intelligence. Most spayed and neutered pets tend to be
gentler and more affectionate. They become less interested in other
animals and spend more time interacting with their owners.
"Will spaying or neutering make my pet fat?"
Removing the ovaries or testicles does affect
metabolism. For this reason, spayed or neutered pets will tend to put
on weight more easily if permitted to overeat. The important phrase
here is "if permitted to overeat." The diet of every cat and dog should
be carefully regulated to prevent him/her from becoming overweight.
"Should my female dog be allowed to have one litter?"
There's no reason for a female dog to have
even one litter. It won't make her a better companion, and it will
increase the likelihood that she will develop mammary cancer. Spaying a
dog before she goes into heat even once greatly reduces the risk of her
developing mammary cancer.
"Don't spaying and neutering interfere with nature?"
Domesticated dogs and cats are completely dependent
on humans. It's our responsibility as their guardians to make sure the
number of companion animals born doesn't exceed the number of available
homes.
Wrong. Only
a certain number of people want pets. So every home you find for your
pet's offspring takes away a home from a loving animal already at a
shelter.
"I want my children to see the miracle of birth."
Children
may learn about the birthing process in far simpler and less costly
ways. Plenty of books, videotapes, CDs, and DVDs are available that
portray the miracle of birth in a wide range of animals, providing a
far greater appreciation of the process than can be gained through
watching a single dog or cat deliver a single litter. Maybe even try a
visit to a farm or a zoo if you're interested in seeing a live deliver. Do your part by having your pet spayed or neutered. You'll be saving more than just one life!
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