Myths and Misunderstandings About Spaying and Neutering

The reluctance people feel about having their pets spayed or neutered is often based on long-standing misconceptions. By knowing the facts, you'll understand the importance of this safe, routine surgery.

Spaying or neutering will change my pet's personality. Any changes will be positive ones. Altered animals make better companions and are more affectionate. Males are less likely to roam or get into fights. Male cats tend to stop spraying. And a dog's natural instinct to protect home and family is not affected.

Spaying and neutering will make my pet fat and lazy. Lack of exercise and overfeeding cause obesity. Make time for walks and play, and ask your veterinarian about reducing calories.

My female needs to have "just one litter." That won't make your pet healthier or happier. In fact, early spaying greatly reduces the risk of mammary cancer and eliminates infections of the uterus and ovaries.

My male would feel deprived and less masculine. Neutering won't cause any negative emotional reaction or identity crisis. What it will do is greatly reduce the risk of prostate and testicular diseases.

I don't need to neuter my male-he's not the one having litters. You're equally responsible for pet-overpopulation. Even though females are the ones who become pregnant, it takes two to tango. And males can father many litters of offspring.

I can find good homes for my kittens or puppies. It's harder than you think and many animals are discarded when they get older. Only a few will have a permanent home. And how many will produce offspring of their own? The pet-overpopulation crisis happens one litter at a time, forcing animal shelters across America to kill an estimated 5 million dogs and cats each year.

I'm sure it's easy for purebreds to find homes. Many animals in shelters are purebred, so even they suffer as a result of over-breeding. Your pet is a companion, not a money maker. Besides, ensuring the health of the mother and babies is time-consuming and expensive, especially if complications develop.

I want my children to see the miracle of birth. Then are you willing to explain the tragedy of death caused by another surplus litter? And animals often go off by themselves to give birth.

Spaying and neutering are expensive. It's a small price to pay for the health of your canine or feline friend and for the prevention of more homeless animals. Spaying and neutering can be done as young as two months of age. Females can be spayed while in heat or pregnant. Contact your veterinarian or the SPCA's Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic at 741-1121.