Angelcare Animal Hospital and Pet Resort

Why Spay or Neuter?

 

Why is it important to spay or neuter your pet?

          Your pet is a companion, a friend, and a member of your family. But not all pets are as cherished as yours. In animal shelters throughout North America, four to six Million dogs and cats are euthanized each year. Although these figures seem staggering, it's easy to understand when you consider this: If one pair of cats produce eight kittens a year (and this is only an Average...there could be more born!) and each of those kittens then produce an Average of eight kittens per year, then there are almost 300,000 cats in that single family tree in year six. In year seven, the descendants of the original mother and father number almost 2.4 Million. That's a lot of cats...and 80% are unwanted. Similar statistics exist for our canine friends.

          For every kitten or puppy that actually finds a home, there are four others unwanted, unloved, and possibly neglected or abused. Please don't be a part of the problem...be a part of the solution! Spaying or neutering your pet not only helps reduce the number of unwanted pets, it provides long-term health benefits to your dog or cat as well.

 

What is spaying?

          Spaying of female dogs and cats, called ovario-hysterectomy, is the surgical removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. Spaying your pet eliminates all heat cycles and the accompanying unwanted bleeding, nervousness, and desire to mate.

          Female dogs and cats often mature enough to reproduce once they reach the age of 6 to 9 months old. Female dogs go through a reproductive or "heat" cycle every 6 months, usually once in the spring and once in the fall. The cycle begins with pro-estrous, or "bleeding" prior to the true heat cycle, when the female is receptive to the advances of a male. The entire cycle may be as short as a few days or as long as 3-4 weeks. Often, female dogs will experience some personality changes during heat cycles, such as becoming short-tempered or anxious.

          Female cats enter their reproductive cycles continuously every 3-4 weeks during certain times of the year, primarily in the spring and fall. They rarely show any signs of bleeding during their reproductive cycles. Many female cats become nervous during these heat cycles and exhibit unusual behaviors such as rolling on the floor, hiding furtively, or begging for constant attention. They are often quite vocal as well, meowing through their cycles.

          Studies show that by spaying your female dog or cat BEFORE her first heat cycle, you greatly reduce her chances of developing mammary cancer later in life. Having your female dog or cat spayed will also protect her from uterine infections and difficult or dangerous pregnancies.

 

 

What is Neutering?

          Neutering of male dogs and cats, called orchiectomy, is the process of surgically removing the testicles. If neutering is done at an early age, it eliminates reproductive behavior.

          After they reach sexual maturity at 6 to 9 months of age, male dogs and cats are able to breed any time they are exposed to a receptive female. Un-neutered male dogs and cats are prone to wander in search of a female in heat. This means Trouble! Pets that wander are more frequently exposed to diseases, injuries from fights, and traffic accidents.       

          Male cats are well known to "mark" their territories by spraying odorous urine on furniture, walls, shrubs, etc. Male dogs are sometimes equally anxious to mark their territories. This tendency is greatly reduced when the pet is neutered. Neutering may also help to reduce aggressive behavior in dogs.

          Male dogs and cats benefit from the neutering process in other ways as well. They are less likely to develop prostatic disease and are no longer at risk for testicular cancer and infection.

          After neutering, your male dog or cat will continue to have his own unique personality. He will be less likely to roam and will enjoy staying at home more.

 

When should my pet have the surgery?

          Generally, we recommend spaying and neutering anytime after 16 weeks of age. If de-clawing your male or female cat in addition to spaying or neutering, surgery can be performed anytime after 10 weeks of age. For the health benefits, spaying and neutering should be done BEFORE sexual maturity.

 

 

Promoting a Lifetime of Good Health.

 

Angelcare Animal Hospital and Pet Resort

262-886-3337  or 262-886-8728