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Myths VS Facts On Spaying And Neutering
Myth:
My male pet doesn't need to get altered because he can't give birth.
Fact:
As true as it is for humans, "it takes two to tango!" And, while a female cat or dog can only have one litter at a time, a male can impregnate many females each day.
Myth:
I refuse to alter my pet because it will change his/her personality.
Fact:
Altering a pet does not affect his/her personality; however, the behavior changes are certainly positive ones. Neutered male cats tend to reduce territorial spraying, and neutered dogs and cats fight less and are less likely to stray from home in search of a mate. Spayed females don't go into heat. (Ever see a female in heat jump through a screen door looking for a male companion? It can be quite ugly and expensive.)
Myth (excuse):
I want my children to see the miracle of birth.
Fact (reality):
To put it bluntly, have you considered also showing them the reality of death? There are many ways of showing children the beauty of reproduction without adding to the pet overpopulation crisis. Ever consider visiting your local animal shelter in June, or perhaps reading them a book from the library? And while you're educating, it may be a good idea to explain the vast responsibility of having babies.
Myth:
My pet will not be as protective if he/she is altered.
Fact:
Not true. In fact, your altered pet will remain or become even more protective and loyal without the distraction of wanting to mate spontaneously.
Myth:
It's cruel to take away a pet's ability to procreate.
Fact:
Please do not confuse human sexuality with that of a cat or dog. They don't think about sex; they react to hormonal impulses only.
There are also numerous medical benefits for altered pets. Neutering, for example, decreases or eliminates many of the illnesses that intact males are prone to later in life, such as diseases of the prostate, testicles, and other tissues that are influenced by male hormones. Testicular and perianal gland cancers are the second and third most common tumors in older intact male dogs. A large part of the medical treatment for these cancers includes neutering.
Unneutered male cats like to roam and fight and are a rarity to see over the age of six, as many of them fall victim to cat fights and contract severe debilitating diseases such as feline leukemia and respiratory viruses.
If a female cat or dog is spayed at a young age (particularly before her second heat), her chances of ever developing mammary cancer is greatly reduced. Also, spaying entirely eliminates diseases of the ovaries and uterus, which are a major cause of illness in older female dogs and cats.
Clearly, for a healthier and longer life of a pet, spaying or neutering is a must, and it will help keep veterinary costs down. |
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