Spaying and Neutering Fact Sheet
The Surgery
Spaying and neutering are, safe, common operations performed by a licensed veterinarian to prevent an animal from reproducing. During the surgery the animal is under complete anesthesia. It usually takes 20 to 60 minutes, and in most cases the animal is able to go home the same day. Most animals recover so quickly they're back to normal behavior within a few hours. The sutures, or stitches, are removed after 7-10 days.
Female Cats and Dogs
Females are capable of reproducing as early as 6 months of age. They go into a "heat" cycle, and can become pregnant. When a female cat is in "heat", they're moaning and yelling and not much fun to be around. This "heat" cycle can last from one to three weeks and can occur every few weeks! When a female dog is in heat they will spot blood - everywhere. Also, the female dog in heat emits odors that lure male dogs from miles away. These dogs will bark, fight, defecate and urinate outside of the home or yard trying to get to the female.
Female cats and dogs reproduce instinctively, not emotionally. Cats and dogs do not develop relationships together with plans on raising families. Furthermore, even though maternal instincts are strong, when the weaning process begins, usually after 6-8 weeks, the offspring simply become other animals to her: threats to food and territory. They are unaware of the biological connection and will fight or reproduce with each other.
A female cat can produce an average litter size of 5 kittens, three or four times per year - each year! Female dogs can produce litters two times per year - each year! The dog's size can determine the size of the litter; i.e.: small dogs may have 3-8 puppies and large dogs may have 6-20 puppies. Each of these kittens and pup- pies will need a home. Sadly, it is estimated that for every ten animals born, only one will find a proper home. Also, in six short months, each of the puppies or kittens may begin reproducing, further adding to the over-population tragedy.
The spay surgery for females is called an ovariohysterectomy. During the operation, her ovaries, oviducts, uterus and cervix are removed. Ideally, the female cat or dog should be spayed around the age of six months. However, it can be done safely earlier or later depending on the health of the animal. Even if the animal has already produced, the surgery can still be done. After the animal is spayed, there will be no offspring to find home and no more heat cycles to put up with. If spayed early enough, the risk of uterine, ovarian or mammary cancer is greatly reduced. She may live longer and cost less money in veterinarian bills in the long run.
Male Cats and Dogs
Male cats and dogs are capable of reproducing as early as 6 months of age. Males do not go through a "heat" cycle like females; they are capable of reproducing at any time, anywhere, with any female. At this age, male cats and dogs will become territorial and mark their territory by spraying strong smelling urine inside your home. Because dogs are pack animals, many may progressively become more dominant.
A dog who is allowed to believe he is the pack leader can be hard to handle or even dangerous. In the search for females in heat, most male cats and dogs will try to escape outside of the home and yard. While outside, they will encounter many dangers. If they make it back home, they often sustain injuries which are not only life-threatening, but can be very costly to treat as well, In addition, loose dogs also pose a hazard to people.
While he is out and about in the neighborhood, a male animal can mate with numerous females in one day for the rest of his life. These are not girlfriends that he is dating; once again. relationships are not being developed, there will be no concern nor inquiry about the offspring. He is simply driven by instinct, not emotion, further adding to the overpopulation tragedy.
The neuter surgery for males is called an orchidectomy, or castration. During the operation, his testicles, epididymis and spermatic cord are removed. Ideally, the male cat or dog should be neutered around the age of SIX months. However, it can be safely done earlier or later depending on the health of the animal. Once neutered he will not become feminine: he will still be a male. If neutered early enough. the risk of testicular tumors, or prostate problems is greatly reduced. He may live longer and cost less money in veterinarian bills in the long run. A male cat may never begin spraying and a male dog will be more able to accept you as the owner and, therefore, be more obedient. A neutered cat or dog is more content with staying at home in the house where he is safe. An indoor pet is a healthy, safe and happy pet.
