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 Why is spaying or neutering so important? Neutering is probably the most common surgical procedure performed by most animal hospitals. A dog or cat that is neutered enjoys many health benefits and the owner of a neutered pet usually enjoys the pet’s companionship much more, too. Spaying female dogs or cats before the first heat greatly reduces the risk of breast cancer. Female dogs spayed before their first heat cycle have a 0.5% chance of developing breast cancer. After the first heat cycle, the risk increases to 8%, and after the second heat cycle the risk increases to 26%. In the dog, spaying also prevents the hassle and mess associated with a three week “heat period” twice a year as well as the false pregnancy that may go along with it. Female cats don’t normally discharge during their heat cycles, but if you’ve ever experienced the “calling”, rolling, and constant pestering of a cat going through repeated heat cycles, you’ll know one good reason to get her spayed.
A spayed female is also free of the risks of pyometra, a common, potentially life-threatening infection of the uterus, usually affecting older dogs and cats.
Neutering your male may protect him from injury by making him less likely to roam and fight. This is especially true of non-neutered male cats that become very territorial. For the dog, neutering also reduces the risks of serious prostate problems and the development of certain anal tumors.
Neutering in both the male and female dog and cat can also help to prevent several unacceptable behavior problems. Some incidents may be the male cat who apparently has forgotten about the litter pan and is now using the floor or wall; the male dog who has become a little too “big for his britches”; the male dog who is lifting his leg in the house – sometimes right in front of you; or the dog who is greeting your new boss by attaching himself to his leg. These are all behavioral problems that neutering can help to prevent. For dogs with behavioral problems, neutering combined with obedience training can help correct conditions.
Ideally, pets should be neutered between 6 and 8 months of age. However, neutering at any age is preferred to not neutering at all. Contrary to popular belief, females do not need to go through a heat cycle or have a litter prior to being spayed to make them a better or healthier pet. Neutering does not make your pet mean or aggressive, and he or she will not “resent you” for having the surgery done. Neutering alone does not cause increased weight gain in pets. However, owners need to understand that neutering can change hormone levels involved in metabolism therefore, some pets may need a little lower food intake after being neutered.
For further information about spaying and neutering, please call us at 708-448-6600 and a member of our staff will gladly answer any questions. |