Did you know???
| If a female is spayed prior to the first heat the odds of developing mammary cancer later in life is less than 1%. |
| If spayed between the first and second heat cycle the risk increases to about 8%. |
| If spayed at anytime after the second heat period, the risk of mammary cancer is about 25% in the dog (same as in a dog not spayed.) |
BENEFITS OF SPAYING:
| Freedom from complications of birthing puppies. |
| Reduced risk of mammary cancer and uterine infections |
Uterine infections (pyometras) are a serious problem in dogs due to the way in which they cycle and can easily result in death.
BENEFITS OF NEUTERING:
| Why did Fido cross the road? His girlfriend lived on the other side. Unfortunately, Fido never made it. |
- About 80% of dogs hit by vehicles every year are unneutered males.
- Neutering decreases the urge to wander
| Testicular cancer and prostate problems commonly afflict unneutered male dogs. |
’Just one litter’ may sound like a good idea until you consider what adding 12 puppies to your family really means. If you have puppies, you alone are responsible for that litter. Can you guarantee quality homes for 2-12 puppies? If not, are you prepared to have more than just one dog? Have you thought about the cost of veterinary care-check ups, shots, and deworming- for 12 dogs? And that’s if they all stay healthy, says Dr. Merle. Besides that, there are the risks of pregnancy and giving birth, just as in a human pregnancy. The puppies may need substantial veterinary care and the mother may need a cesarean section. This all adds up to a big investment in your time and Money. (No Excuse Not to Spay and Neuter)
One female dog and her offspring can produce
more than 4,000 offspring in only 7 years.
And for cats, that number is more like 400,000!!!!
There are so many benefits of early spaying and neutering. There is no reason to not have your animal spayed or neutered at an early age if you are not planning on using them for breeding. The best way to calm fears about the use of anesthesia on your pet is to talk to your veterinarian. With your pet becoming a loved family member, you can’t afford not to have the surgery. It is a gift of health.