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Female dogs and cats are spayed by removing their reproductive
organs, and male dogs and cats are neutered by removing their
testicles. In both cases the operation is performed while the pet is
under anesthesia. Depending upon the procedure, your pet may need
stitches or staples removed in two weeks.
- Spaying and neutering helps dogs and cats live longer,
healthier lives.
- Spaying and neutering can eliminate or reduce the incidence of
a number of health problems that can be very difficult or
expensive to treat.
- Spaying eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian
cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer,
particularly when your pet is spayed before her first estrous
cycle.
- Neutering eliminates testicular cancer and decreases the
incidence of prostate disease.
- Spaying and neutering can make pets better, more affectionate
companions.
- Neutering cats makes them less likely to spray and mark
territory.
- Spaying a dog or cat eliminates her heat cycle. Estrus lasts
an average of six to 12 days, often twice a year, in dogs and an
average of six to seven days, three or more times a year, in
cats. Females in heat can cry incessantly, show nervous
behavior, and attract unwanted male animals.
- Unsterilized animals often exhibit more behavior and
temperament problems than do those who have been spayed or
neutered.
- Spaying and neutering can make pets less likely to bite.
- Average life span of un-neutered (intact) male cats (Tom Cats)
in the city is 18 months - they tend to roam a radius of 20
miles and are therefore likely to be either hit by a car or die
from Feline Leukemia/FIV.
- Neutering makes pets less likely to roam the neighborhood, run
away, or get into fights.
- Communities spend millions of dollars to control unwanted
animals.
- Irresponsible breeding contributes to the problem of dog bites
and attacks.
- Animal shelters are overburdened with surplus animals.
- Stray pets and homeless animals get into trash containers,
defecate in public areas or on private lawns, and frighten or
anger people who have no understanding of their misery or needs.
- Some stray animals also scare away or kill birds and wildlife.
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