As someone who’s been in animal rescue for a decade, I know how important it is to spay and neuter pets. I guarantee you that we could cut the euthanasia rate waaaay down if more people just got their pets fixed. Not only does spaying and neutering save lives, but it’s significantly healthier for your pet. Fixing your pet will make things easier for you too! In honor of National Spay Day, let’s look further into what spaying is, and why it’s important.
What is spaying?
Spaying is a medical procedure for female animals which involves the removing of ovaries. I know, it sounds kind of brutal, but it’s really not. Animals are always put under anesthesia for this surgery and nowadays the procedure and recovery process are fairly quick. The best part? Your dog or cat won’t even know what happened!
Medical Benefits of Spaying
Scientific evidence has proven that spaying your pet will allow them to lead a longer, happier life. But why? Spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast infections which are malignant or cancerous in about 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats (source ASPCA). That’s a huge number. Getting your female pet spayed before their first heat offers the best protection from these potentially fatal medical problems.
Behavioral Benefits
I don’t know anyone who wants to deal with a female animal going into heat. It’s rather awful, in my opinion. If you get your female pet spayed, they won’t ever go into heat (as long as you get the surgery performed when they are young). Did you know that cats can go into heat for 4-5 days every three weeks during breeding season?! Ick. No thanks. Going into heat may cause your female to yowl in attempt to attract a mate. They will also urinate more frequently, sometimes with complete disregard for the litter box.
Isn’t the surgery expensive?
Sure, it can be if you go to certain veterinarians, but many cities have low cost spay and neuter clinics. I’ve taken three of my animals to the same low cost clinic, and all of their surgeries were flawless. Khloee doesn’t even have a scar! Some counties will also offer vouchers for a free spay or neuter surgery, so be sure to check with your local animal control. Plus, spaying your pet is worth the price to save animals and keep your pet healthy. Here’s a tool to find a low cost spay and neuter clinic in your area.
Typically dogs get spayed around six to nine months old but can have the surgery as young as eight weeks, assuming they are healthy. Cats can also get spayed as early as eight weeks old, and it’s suggested that getting your cat fixed before five months old is best. If you have questions about this specifically, consult your veterinarian.
You will save lives.
If you get your dog or cat spayed, they can’t have any litters. This prevents animals from ending up in rescues, and therefore at risk for euthanasia. Don’t add to the animal shelter population – spay your pet!
Need to get your female pet spayed? Contact your veterinarian for a consultation or more information. You can look up a low cost spay clinic in your area by using this locator.
Linda says
I have a new rescue chihuahua and she is due to be neutered tomorrow and I am a nervous wreck! I know it will probably be alright but I also know anything can go wrong so I will be thrilled when it is over and she is back in my arms as safe as I can keep her- plus, she is being micro-chipped.
I have my 3 babies from 11 years ago that I had neutered. The last two my DH did not want to have neutered but when he went to visit family one week I flew to the vet with them and Prayed really hard while they were being spayed. I said just in case I were to die and someone was to take them and think they would make money off of them from puppies I was not having them die a terrible death from a delivery gone wrong. Then like you mentioned keeping cancer away from them too. The only one that should not have been done Young was a collie we got from the pound. It made her leak urine bigtime and they said if it had been done LATER that it would probably prevented that-something about large breeds ??? And I have heard from other owners of large breeds that they throwed their dogs outdoors because of the same problem???? That was sad.
Tyler Meredith says
I recently got a dog and I’m considering having her spayed. I often hear that’s it’s important for it to happen but also that it can be painful for them. It’s interesting that the pet will be more controlled in their behavior after having the surgery. I’ll have to remember this because I want to make sure she behaves around other dogs and people. Thanks for the post!
Jade Brunet says
My neighbors recently got a puppy and are looking to find if they should spay it. It is good to know that animals are always put under anesthesia for this surgery. I am also happy to learn that it has a quick recovery process. The only reason not to spay an animal would be if you plan on breeding it one day. I will tell my neighbor.
Amanda says
I’m glad you found this to be helpful! I personally don’t agree with breeding dogs, so spaying is a MUST, unless there’s some medical reason why they shouldn’t be spayed 🙂 Thanks for reading!!