What is spaying and neutering? Spaying and neutering are surgical procedures which prevent dogs & cats from reproducing. With spaying, a female dog or cat’s ovaries(egg production sacs) and uterus (womb) are removed. With neutering(or castration), a male dog or cat’s testicles are removed. Why spay or neuter? A dog or cat should be spayed or neutered unless the animal is a good candidate for responsible breeding; she/he represents the best of her/his breed physically, genetically, in temperament and in working characteristics Millions of unwanted dog and cats are euthanized every year, some because there are no homes for them, and some because of health or behavior problems. Benefits of spaying a female dog or cat: She will not go into heat; she will not bleed or be approached by male’s who sense when she is in heat. Protection from cancers of the breast, and reproductive system. Benefits of neutering a male dog or cat: It can help with aggressive behaviour It can help with roaming and marking of territory It can help with fighting and sexual behaviour Can avoid prostate and testicular cancer When should a dog or cat be spayed or neutered? Most dogs and cats are spayed or neutered at about six months of age, although some animal shelters spay and neuter at about eight weeks. We recommend spaying and neutering at six months of age before a first heat for females and to avoid unwanted behaviour from males. Care after the procedure Most dogs and cats show no signs of discomfort and recover quickly(within 7-14 days). Dogs and cats are anesthetized for spaying or neutering. They are usually sleepy through the evening after surgery. Our veterinary staff will have helpful homecare tips that need to be followed closely. We will ask that you try to have your cat or dog rest as much as possible for the next few days after surgery. This can be challenging for people with every active pets. But we ask that you do your best. We may send home pain medication if your pet is showing any signs of discomfort. We will send home an elizabethan collar (plastic cone) to prevent your pet from licking his or her incision. This is very important as licking can cause infection and may open up the incision. Myth’s and facts about spaying and neutering Myth #1- “If I let my female have one litter she will be happier and be a better pet” Myth#2- “IF I neuter my male he will become “wimpy” ans submissive” Myth#3- “If I spay or neuter my pet she/he will become lazy and over weight” Fact#1- Each heat that a female experiences increases her chances of mammary tumors Fact#2- Unspayed females can develop a uterine infection known as Pyometra. This is life threatening and the treatment is spaying Fact#3- Intact males can develop testicular tumors(cancer) and infections. These are conditions that could be avoided by having your male neutered Fact#4-Inflammation of the prostate is most common in un-neutered males, especially if they are over 5 years of age. Part of the treatment for prostatis is neutering