Spaying or Neutering

Each day 10,000 humans are born and each day 70,000 puppies and kittens are born. Naturally this causes great concern; for as long as these birth rates exist there will never be enough people to care for all of the animals. Dogs and cats are born into this world as innocent creatures of God; every year over 6 million animals are killed via the euthanasia process because there are no homes available for them. Animals are dying by the hands of humans every day; they are dying because humans allow dogs to breed when it is not necessary. The most vital step that a person can take to prevent the needless slaughtering of animals is to have their pets spayed or neutered.

The belief that spaying or neutering causes any negative effect for pets is extremely inaccurate. There are important facts about sterilizing a pet that all owners should be aware of:

Animals mate for one reason only: as an instinct to breed; they do not receive pleasure from the act. Mating is purely biological: the female animal goes into estrus (heat) and the male reacts to her pheromones which trigger the instinct to breed. (Mounting or “humping,” outside of actual breeding, should not be confused with sex; it is a dominance issue.)

Male animals do not embody the concept of “manhood,” although intact male dogs do tend to be more aggressive, high strung, and harder to handle.

The cost for the procedure is relatively inexpensive in relation to the benefits you and your pet will receive. The cost of altering a dog can run from $50 to $150. It may also possible to find a low-cost spay/neuter clinic in your area. A local SPCA should be able give referrals. If a person is on a strict budget, it does not hurt to ask friends or family to pitch in. You may be surprised at how responsive others will be.

For parents who may think that having their dogs give birth to puppies would be a positive experience for their children; it may be wise to double-think: Would it be wise to have children witness the miracle of birth at the sake of having those animals that are do not find homes sent to shelters and then be killed? Choosing to spay or neuter your pet will bring positive results to you, your pet and the community.

Positive Results for You will be:

Sterilizing will cause your pet to become more affectionate companions

Sterilized pets are far less likely to spray and mark their territory

Spaying a female dog or cat eliminates its heat cycle, thus eliminating the care that must be given during this time. The heat cycle lasts up to 21 days, twice a year for dogs and up to 15 days, two or three times a year for cats. Females often cry incessantly during this time and attract unwanted male animals.

Spayed or neutered pets are less prone to bite. Studies have proven that unaltered animals display more behavioral and temperament problems than those that have been sterilized

Positive Results for Your Pet will be:

Spayed or neutered dogs and cats live longer and healthier lives

Unspayed females have higher incidences of mammary tumors, uterine infections, and cancer

Neutering males reduces the risk of prostate cancer

Neutered animals are far less apt to roam and fight with other animals

Positive Results for Your Community will be:

Communities spend literally millions of dollars to euthanize unwanted animals. Spaying or neutering will decrease the number of animals that do not have homes and will lessen the amount of dogs that are euthanized.

Irresponsible breeding contributes to the problem of dog bites and attacks. Spaying or neutering will make communities safer for all residents

Animal shelters are overburdened with animals, sterilizing pets will reduce this number and efforts can be more focused on saving other neglected and abused animals.