Spaying and Neutering pets is part of responsible pet ownership. Pets that have not been spayed or neutered can threaten the overall pet population and must be carefully controlled. Individually, pet owners must make the decision to spay or neuter their pets -- spaying and neutering are very common surgeries that are economical methods of controlling your pet and the overall pet population.
Each year, up to 8 million homeless pets and unwanted litters fill animal shelters. Some are adopted, but many pets are euthanized. Continuous reproduction creates a pet overpopulation problem.
Spaying and neutering are surgical processes where reproductive organs are removed. For female animals, spaying is called an “ovariohysterectomy”. For males, neutering is an “orchiectomy”. Spaying and neutering are 100% effective methods of birth control for dogs and cats and the two most common sterilization methods. There is very low incidence of complication, and often, will improve the quality of a dog or cat’s life.
Most animals can be spayed or neutered as early as four- to six-months of age. However, each animal should be individually assessed by a veterinarian with regard to breed, age, and overall health condition.
General Benefits of Spaying and Neutering:
- Prevents unwanted litters, animals
- Eliminates behavioral problems associated with mating instinct
- Economical birth control method
Health benefits (females)
- Reduces reproductive system cancers
- Reduces uterine infections
- Fewer hormonal changes
- Prevention of mammary tumors
- Prevention of uterine cancer
- Prevention of ovarian cancer
- Prevention of testicular cancer
- Eliminates actions of being “in heat” – blood stains, behavioral problems
Health benefits (males)
- Exhibit milder temperament
- Exhibit better behavior (often less aggressive)
- Prevention of testicular cancer
- No longer “mark” territory in house
- Less likelihood of escaping
- Less chance of prostate disease
Sources:
The Humane Society of the United States
(AVMA) American Veterinary Medical Association
(FVMA) Florida Veterinary Medical Association
Shank Animal Hospital will be offering a $15 credit toward the next vet visit for all clients that wish to spay or neuter their pet in 2010. If interested, click here to Contact Us.
Shank Animal Hospital proudly serves the Ft Lauderdale and Broward County areas. Visit our website at http://shank-animal-hospital.com to learn more about our full-service animal hospital and veterinary services.
