Spay Neuter My Dog???   But......

"But My Dog..."

People give a number of reasons for not spaying or neutering their pets - most of them based on misconceptions.

But My Dog... is a purebred.

That dog has a lot of company in shelters around the country. According to the Humane Society of the United States, at least one-fourth of the millions of animals found in animal shelters each year are purebreds. Registration with the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club is no guarantee that a dog is well bred. Only dogs free of hereditary defects, with good temperament and conformation should even be considered for breeding.

But My Dog... should have a litter first.

All medical evidence indicates just the opposite. It is much healthier for a for a dog to be spayed before the first heat cycle.

But My Dog... is a male.

Perhaps your backyard won't be filled with puppies, but your neighbors might not be so lucky. Your dog may sire many litters, contributing to pet overpopulation. His urge to roam may also take him on dangerous adventures in the streets and yards of your neighborhood. Neutering your male will not make him feel like "less of a dog" - and will probably be a lot happier. Editors note: Male dogs that are neutered no longer run the risk for prostate problems either!)

But My Dog... should be protective.

 Don't worry, most dogs are instinctively protective of their homes and families, and this trait is not affected by sterilization. In addition, neutered animals are not distracted by turbulent hormonal influences and respond just as well, if not better, to training.

But My Dog... will get fat.

Just like its human companions, a dog gets fat because of overeating and lack of exercise. While it is true that neutering slows a dog's metabolism, a slight adjustment at dinnertime should eliminate any problem.

But My Dog... is special.

Of course it is. You will never find another dog just like it, even among its offspring. Even professional breeders who work with several generations of well-planned litters are not able to completely control the outcome of their efforts. It's best to appreciate your dog for its unique qualities. If you want another pet, look among the many already born and in need of homes.

Even a pet owner who finds loving homes for any puppies his or her dog gives birth to has still contributed to the problems of pet overpopulation. The number of animals as well as the potential for many more has increased, and fewer homes are available for those already waiting. Simply put, more animals will die.

Parents who want to illustrate the facts of life for their children should consider how much easier it is to find a good book at the library to rent an appropriate video than to clean up after a litter of busy puppies and pay for their health care. Responsible pet care is a wonderful way to teach respect for all living beings

Spay and Neuter Benefits!

The Most obvious reason for spaying or neutering is to prevent adding to the pet overpopulation problem.  However there are other real benefits particularly relating to a pet's health.

No Pregnancy or Pregnancy Complications

Spaying or ovariohysterectomy, is the surgical removal of the animal's ovaries, and uterus.  By preventing pregnancy, spaying permanently eliminates a source of great physical stress for female animals, including complications such as a caesarian section delivery of the puppies. 

What's more, spaying female pets eliminates:

  • Attendant males in abundance while the female is in heat
  • Spotting during the heat period
  • False pregnancies (increasingly common with age)
  • Mammary tumors (less than 1% incidence in animals spayed before their first heat, versus higher than 50% incidence in intact female dogs over 5 years of age)
  • Uterine infections (increasingly common with age: often life-threatening)
  • Tumors of the ovaries or uterus
  • Stress, leading to increased susceptibility to disease
  • Need for extra food during pregnancy and nursing

In Female dogs, heat periods occur twice a year and last about 3 weeks each time.  During the heat cycle dogs will be more irritable and nervous than usual, and may even become aggressive and damage furniture or attack strangers.
 

Less Testosterone, Less Trouble
 

In terms of behavior, male dogs will benefit even more than females from being neutered.  Neutering, or castration, is the surgical removal of the animal's testicles.  An un-neutered male can detect a female in heat even miles away.  Neutering decreases roaming by 90%  Responding to the overwhelming urge to reproduce, he will often become nervous and irritable, perhaps picking fights with other dogs, or become lethargic, less responsive to his owner, stop eating, or act ill or depressed. 

Among the problems reduced or eliminated by neutering male pets are

  • Territoriality and aggression, including urinating to mark territory, and fighting to defend it.

  • Wandering, escaping, and automobile injuries.

  • "Riding" inappropriate objects

  • Prostate enlargement (occurs in at least 60% of un-neutered male dogs 5 years or older

  • Prostate tumors and infections

  • Tumors of the testicles, penis, anal area

  • Perineal hernia (rupture of the posterior abdominal wall)

  • Stress, leading to increased susceptibility to disease

  • Need for extra food
     

PLEASE
spay/neuter your dog;-) 
THANK YOU!!