Spaying Your Pet – Female

  • Ovariohysterectomy – removal of the ovaries and uterus
  • The ideal Age is 4-6 months
  • If spayed before the first heat cycle, there is less than ½ of 1% chance of developing breast cancer.
  • If spayed after one heat cycle, there is an 8% chance of developing breast cancer.
  • If spayed after two heat cycles, the risk increases to 26%
  • After 2 ½ years, there is no protective benefit.
  • Pets with diabetes or epilepsy should be spayed to prevent hormonal changes that may interfere with medications.
  • Eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine cancers.
  • Eliminates unwanted pregnancies.

Neutering Your Pet – Male

  • Orchiectomy – removal of the testicles and spermatic cord
  • The ideal Age is 4-6 months
  • Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer, the second most commonly reported tumor in male dogs.
  • Greatly reduces the risk of prostate cancer and prostatitis.
  • Reduces risk of perianal tumors
  • Reduces roaming and fighting behaviors
  • Eliminates or reduces spraying or marking in males neutered before six months of age or before the onset of these behaviors
  • Eliminates risk and spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Eliminates unwanted litters

Unfortunate Reality
More than 7.5 million (7,500,000+) pets are euthanized in animal shelters in the United States each year simply because they do not have a home. Most of these animals are puppies and kittens less than six months old. Help stop this needless loss of life. Spay and neuter your pet.

Myths
Spaying or neutering your pet DOES NOT:

    • ▪ Cause laziness.

 

    • ▪ Cause hyperactivity.

 

    • ▪ Reduce a pet’s instinct to protect your family and home.

 

    • ▪ Cause ‘immature’ behaviors.

 

    • ▪ Postpone or delay normal behavioral maturity.

 

    ▪ Alter their personality in any manner.

If you have further questions or concerns about spaying or neutering your pet or surgery at our hospital, feel free to ask any hospital staff member.