ill the Surgery Affect My ’s SPAYING Disposition or --and-- W Metabolism? • The procedure has no effect on a NEUTERING pet’s intelligence or ability to learn, play, work, or hunt. Most tend to be better behaved following the CARING FOR ANIMALS operation, making them more desirable companions. Contrary to popular TODAY • TOMORROW • ALWAYS belief, the surgery will not make your pet fat.

• A balanced diet and exercise will keep • Contrary to what some people believe, your pet from experiencing the health getting pregnant - even once - does not risks associated with . Please improve the behavior of female . feel free to ask us or your veterinarian In fact, the mating instinct may lead to to advise you on the best diet and undesirable behaviors and result in undue exercise plan for your for each stress on both the owner and the animal. stage of its life. Also, while some pet owners may have good intentions, few are prepared for the work and mess involved in monitoring their pet’s pregnancy, caring for newborns, and locating good homes for all the offspring.

Spay Neuter Bro_021109.indd (Rev. 03/09) he Pet Population enefits of Spaying hat is the Best Problem. and Neutering are Great. Age to Spay or Neuter? T• Every year, millions of unwanted dogs B • Female dogs experience a “heat” cycle W and puppies are needlessly destroyed. approximately every six months, depending • Your dog can be surgically altered at The good news is that every pet owner upon the dog. A female dog’s heat cycle almost any age. We recommend having can make a difference. By having your dog can last as long as 21 days, during which it done prior to age six months. surgically sterilized, you will do your part your dog will leave blood stains in the to prevent the birth of unwanted puppies house and may become anxious, short- • Both operations lead to improved long and you will enhance your pet’s health and tempered, and actively seek a mate. Spaying term health, prevents unwanted litters, quality of life. eliminates their heat cycles and generally and eliminates bad behavior problems reduces the negative behaviors that may associated with the mating instinct. • What is surgical altering? lead to owner frustration and, ultimately, a During surgical altering, a veterinarian decision to relinquish the pet to a shelter. • One female dog and her offspring can removes certain reproductive organs. If Most importantly, early spaying of female produce an extremely large number of your dog is female, the veterinarian will dogs helps protect them from serious dogs within a relatively short time span. usually remove her , fallopian health problems later in life, such as uterine Don’t let this begin with you! tubes, and . The medical name for infections and breast cancer. this operation is an ovariohysterectomy, although it is commonly called “spaying.” If • Male dogs are capable of breeding at six to your dog is male, the are removed nine months of age. Unaltered male dogs and the operation is called an orchiectomy, are likely to begin “marking” their territories commonly referred to as , or by spraying strong-smelling urine on your simply, “neutering.” furniture, curtains, and in virtually any part of the house. Also, given the slightest chance, males may attempt to escape from the home in search of a mate. Dogs seeking a female in heat can become aggressive and may injure themselves and people by engaging in fights. Neutering male dogs reduces the need to breed and can have a calming effect that makes them less inclined to roam and more content to stay at home. Neutering your male pet also improves his health by reducing the risk of prostate disease, , and infections.