Spay and Neuter – The Facts

Unless you are a professional breeder, spaying or neutering your dog is a responsible act as a pet owner.

There are approximately 135,000 stray dogs per annum that are picked up in the UK . Spaying or neutering your dog not only controls their overpopulation, it has many health and behavioural benefits. Spaying refers to surgically removing the uterus and both ovaries of a female pet, while neutering refers to surgically removing both testes of a male dog.

There are many health benefits to altering your dog. The one major benefit is that it reduces a dog's risk of getting cancer. For female dogs in particular, if she gets spayed before her first heat cycle, the risk of getting mammary gland cancer is non-existent. A female dog that is spayed also has a lower risk of getting ovarian and uterine cancer. A male dog, on the other hand, has a lower risk of getting testicular cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and a fatal disease called pyometra, an infection of the uterus.

Pets that are spayed and neutered are much happier, easier to live with, and have less behavioural issues. Male dogs that are neutered are less aggressive. They do not mount as often and they do not roam away from home in search of a female. Female dogs, who do not have their heat cycle any longer, have more balanced personalities. They are not as agitated and prone to fighting. If you have more than one dog in the household, there will be less dog-to-aggression if they are spayed or neutered.

Veterinarians recommend neutering or spaying your dog between six to twelve months of age. The neutering of a male dog is quick and noninvasive. The male dog recovers rapidly and is up and about in no due time. On the other hand, a spaying a female is more complicating because it requires an incision on her abdomen area, her recovery will take longer. In any surgical procedure there are always risks. When anyone is under anesthesia there is the risk of complications because of it. Additionally, there are surgical complications related to post-operative bleeding and infections. However, the risks are much lower than the health and behavioural risks your pets will encounter if they are not altered. The one health risk that afflicts many dogs after they are altered is that they become overweight. This is however preventable if you do not overfeed your dog and make sure the dog exercises. There are many dogs who are neutered and altered that maintain their muscular and lean bodies with proper diet and exercise.

The cost of neutering or spaying your dog varies according to private veterinarians and clinics. The average cost is anywhere between 120 to 220 pounds depending on the weight of your dog. However, the RSPCA have low-cost spaying and neutering programs. It would be wise to inquire from your local RSPCA as to the various programs they offer.

Prevent A Litter - It's Good for You

• Spayed and neutered pets are better, more affectionate, companions.
• Neutered cats are less likely to spray and mark territory.
• Spaying a female dog or cat eliminates its heat cycle, which can last twenty-one days, twice a year, in dogs, and anywhere from three to fifteen days, three or more times a year, in cats. Females in heat often cry incessantly, show nervous behavior, and attract unwanted male animals.
• Spayed and neutered pets are less likely to bite. Unaltered animals often exhibit more behavior and temperament problems than those that have been spayed or neutered.

Prevent a Litter - It's Good for Your Pet

• Spayed and neutered dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives.
• Spaying female dogs and cats eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and
• greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer.
• Neutering male dogs and cats reduces the incidence of prostate cancer.
• Neutered animals are less likely to roam and fight.