WHAT IS SPAY AND NEUTER?
Spaying is the removal of the reproductive organs for female animals while neutering does the same thing for the males. This renders the animals unable to reproduce.
WHY SPAY AND NEUTER?
Avoid life threatening diseases
Intact females may contract pyometra, a uterine infection which could be fatal.
There is a also a higher risk of cancer of the uterus and mammary glands.
Neutering a male can help prevent testicular and prostrate cancer.
Avoid unwanted pregnancies
A female cat could go into heat every 3 weeks.
A female dog goes into heat every 6 months.
Avoid unnecessary injuries and costs
An intact male will find ways to break out of the house if there are any females in heat in the vicinity.
In the process, there is a risk of injury due to traffic accidents or fighting with other male animals.
Avoid undesirable behaviours
Neutering a male cat or dog should reduce spraying of urine and marking of territory.
It also stops your male dog from mounting people, other animals or objects.
It may alleviate excessive barking and hormone related aggression problems.
However, neutering will not stop learned behaviour so it is advisable to neuter them earlier before it becomes a habit.
Save money
It is cheaper to spay or neuter your pet than pay for the potential cost of treatment for the above-mentioned diseases or emergency treatments.
WHEN TO SPAY AND NEUTER?
Most vets recommend spaying or neutering between 6 to 8 months for dogs and by 5 months for cats. However, this can also be done earlier. Healthy puppies and kittens are sterilised at animal shelters before they get adopted.
GETTING TO THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM
By spaying and neutering your pet, you are helping to save lives by:
Preventing the birth of unwanted litters.
Reducing the number of stray animals.
Stopping the unnecessary euthanasia of animals.
Preventing animal cruelty and abuse.
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