Spay/Neuter Info
It's Good for Your Pet
- Spaying and
neutering helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives.
- Spaying and
neutering can eliminate or reduce the incidence of a number of health
problems that can be very difficult or expensive to treat.
- Spaying
eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly
reduces the incidence of breast cancer, particularly when your pet is
spayed before her first estrous cycle.
- Neutering
eliminates testicular cancer and decreases the incidence of prostate
disease.
It's Good for You
- Spaying and
neutering makes pets better, more affectionate companions.
- Neutering cats
makes them less likely to spray and mark territory.
- Spaying a dog or
cat eliminates her heat cycle. Estrus lasts an average of six to twelve
days, often twice a year, in dogs and an average of six to seven days,
three or more times a year, in cats.
- Females in heat
can cry incessantly, show nervous behavior, and attract unwanted male
animals.
- Spaying and
neutering makes pets less likely to bite.
- Unsterilized
animals often exhibit more behavior and temperament problems than do
those who have been spayed or neutered.
- Neutering makes
pets less likely to roam the neighborhood, run away, or get into fights.
It's Good for the Community
- Communities spend
millions of dollars to control unwanted animals.
- Irresponsible
breeding contributes to the problem of dog bites and attacks.
- Animal shelters
are overburdened with surplus animals.
- Stray pets and
homeless animals get into trash containers, defecate in public areas or
on private lawns, and frighten or anger people who have no understanding
of their misery or needs.
- Some stray
animals also scare away or kill birds and wildlife.
Spay or neuter
surgery is a one-time cost that is relatively small when compared to the
benefits. It's a small price to pay for the health of your pet and the
prevention of more unwanted animals.
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