Spaying or Neutering How will spaying or neutering affect my pet? Spaying a female pet involves removing the ovaries and uterus. This procedure will eliminate the heat cycle. o Dogs are in heat for about 21 days twice a year; cats are less predictable, but can be in heat 3-15 days, 3 or more times a year o Male dogs can be drawn from blocks around by the scent of a female in heat – even when she’s kept indoors. o Dogs in heat will produce a bloody discharge, which can stain furniture. o Cats in heat may pace nervously and cry or yowl. o Pets in heat may frantically try to get outside in an effort to find a mate. Neutering a male pet involves removing the testicles, which produce the hormone testosterone. o Male cats left in tacked tend to mark their territory with foul smelling urine. Once this habit is established, neutering may not eliminate a learned behavior. o Non-neutered male pets tend to have an urge to roam in search of a mate. o Non-neutered male pets tend to mount furniture, cushions, and people’s legs when frustrated. o Non-neutered male pets tend to be more aggressive and therefore are more likely to be involved in bites or injured in fights with other animals. Why should I consider spaying or neutering my pet? There are many health benefits to spaying your pet. o Almost 50% of unspayed dogs develop breast tumors. Virtually none do if spayed before their first heat, and chances are reduced if spayed thereafter. o Cats have fewer breast tumors, but when they do, they are nearly always malignant. Spaying almost eliminates this risk. o By removing the uterus, spaying eliminates the site of common – and serious – diseases, such as pyometra (a life- threatening infection) and cancer. o By spaying your pet you can eliminate the dangers of mastitis (inflammation of the breast), ovarian cysts, miscarriage and complications from unwanted pregnancies. There are also many health benefits to neutering your pet. o About 60% of older non-neutered dogs suffer from enlarged prostate glands. Neutering lowers the risk of this painful disorder, as well as other problems. o Both dogs and cats have reduced risk of prostate cancer if neutered, and no risk of testicular tumors. o Neutering male cats reduces the risk of injuries and abscesses because it reduces their urge to fight. Because all of us – even those who do not have pets – are affected by animal overpopulation. Millions of Tax dollars are spent annually to care for lost, abandoned and unwanted pets – millions more to destroy those that find no homes. Health and safety are threatened by rabies, dog bites, cat scratches, and car crashes that occur due to roaming pets. Property may be damaged, wildlife threatened, and livestock killed or injured when pets run “wild” or in packs. Millions of cats and dogs are killed each year – at least half in pounds and shelters, the rest by injury, poisoning, exposure, starvation and disease. Most of these victims are the unwanted offspring of family pets. The facts about common myths Spaying and neutering are cheaper in the long run than caring for the litters. Having a litter will not improve the health or permanently change the personality of your pet. It is very difficult to see “The miracle of birth” since most pets hide when giving birth. Although you may be able to find homes for the offspring, finding good homes is very difficult and you may be denying homes to animals that are in shelters. Being aggressive and being protective are two different behavior modes. A pet’s instinct to defend his turf will not be affected by neutering. Spaying and neutering do not make a pet lazy. Overfeeding and lack of exercise are usually the problem. Spayed or neutered pets require fewer calories. Simply cut down on their meals and make time for walks. • Information provided by Dr. Denise Smith D.V.M. .