Spaying and Neutering

Unfortunately millions of sexually intact pets in the United States are dropped off at shelters every year due to behavior problems. Spaying or neutering your pet can help solve some of your pet's behavior problems. It is highly suggested that you make this choice for your pet while it is young, as some can reproduce as soon as six months of age. The benefits are greater for those animals that aren't yet able to reproduce. Some behavioral problems that could be eased are:

• house soiling,
• marking/spraying,
• persistent barking or meowing,
• escape artist/roamers,
• demanding attention,
• fighting with other pets,
• biting humans or other pets,
• bleeding, and other problems due to female pets being in heat.

Keep in mind, that neutering will not turn your animal into an angel, training and discipline will always have an important affect their behavior.

Although neutering is a term often used for both male and female, generally males are neutered and females are spayed.

For females the specific benefits include:

• eliminating the possibility for uterine infection or cancer
• reducing the possibility of mammary gland tumors (esp. if pet is spayed BEFORE the first heat) *eliminating dangers of giving birth

Males benefits include:

• eliminating testicular tumors
• preventing enlargement of the prostate glands
• preventing injuries and diseases associated with escaping and roaming

Why not give your pet these advantages for their future health?

The obvious advantage of controlling overpopulation is very important as well. Unfortunately millions of pets are euthanized every year because there are too many unwanted pets. After all animal services states 70,000 puppies and kittens are born each day in the U.S. compared to 10,000 human births! In 6 years, one female dog and its offspring can be the source of 67,000 puppies. In just 7 years, one female cat and its young can produce 420,000 kittens. Seems extinction, even of specific breeds, couldn't ever become an issue.

The cost of spaying and neutering can vary. Often shelters or the place you adopt from will give you a discounted rate. It is generally more expensive to spay because the procedure is more complicated. Veterinarians, clinics and animal shelters will often offer good rates just to promote this decision. They can be found easily through your local phone book or the internet. Don't hesitate, you can avoid all the troubles that come from having an unwanted liter.

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