Why Spay or Neuter Your Dog

The birth of a litter of puppies is certainly a miracle to behold. But it’s time for a reality check: There are simply not enough homes for all. Show true compassion for the dogs of the world by having your dog spayed (for females) or neutered (for males) before 6 months of age.

Be a Pal

If you have your veterinarian spay your female dog before her first heat (estrus) cycle, you’re doing her a terrific favor. Spaying dramatically reduces her risk of developing uterine infections, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer.
As for the boys, neutered males have far fewer prostate problems (including cysts, abscesses, and prostate cancer) than do unaltered males, and they can’t develop testicular cancer. They are less likely to roam, fight, demonstrate aggressiveness, or display hyperactive behavior.
Schedule the surgical appointment early in the day so that you can pick your dog up in the early evening (Unless your vet recommends an overnight stay). Also, select a time when you will be home for a couple of days after the surgery—weekends are good—so that you can provide comfort and reassurance to your healing friend.

Top 10 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Dog

Altered dogs, on average, live longer, healthier lives.
Female dogs spayed before their first birthday are 99.9 percent less likely to develop reproductive cancer.
Altered dogs behave better and are more focused on training.
You’ll stop overpopulation. One female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 dogs in just six years.
You’ll stop homelessness. Only one in four dogs find a permanent, loving home.
You’ll stop the killings. More than eight million surplus dogs and cats are destroyed each year because there are not enough homes for them. Taxpayers pick up the tab to the tune of $300 million.
Eighty percent of dogs struck by vehicles are unaltered males.
The majority of dog bites to postal carriers are from unaltered male dogs.
Pet licensing fees are lower in cost for altered dogs in many cities and countries.
Thanks to improved surgical and anesthesia equipment and techniques, you can spay a female or neuter a male as early as 8 weeks of age. Don’t hesitate.

Excerpted form 50 Simple Ways to Pamper Your Dog,by Arden Moore. Copyright (c) 2000 by Storey Books. Reprinted by permission of Storey Books.
Excerpted from 50 Simple Ways to Pamper Your Dog, by Arden Moore.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Lise K.

11:00PM PST on Jan 30, 2012

I am trying to convince my friend's 13-year-old daughter to spay her purebred Yorkie. Thus far, none of the above reasons are working on her. The one thing that seems to be changing her mind is the practicalities of a dam in heat: the idea of male dogs wanting to 'get at' her, and the bleeding (can you believe that a 13-year-old did not realize that an intact female dog has a period...)

send a green star

Franco D.

2:07PM PST on Jan 30, 2012

Very good article. Many good reasons for spaying and neutering. Be blessed.

Barbara W.

12:44PM PST on Jan 27, 2012

They do have better cat foods these days to help prevent male cats who have been neutered from having urinary tract blockage.Back in the day..I had a male cat that had 2 subsequent operations to rebuild his urinary tract because he was prone to blockages.These days..MUCH better options available in cat food to help prevent that.

Susan T.

12:35PM PST on Jan 26, 2012

I used to work for a vet and he would spay dogs and female cats very early but didn't like to neuter male cats until they were sexually mature due to potential for urinary problems in older male cats. I don't know if this is still theory or if males cats are neutered as early as the female cat. It was back in the 70's when I was involved in this vocation.

Past Member .

5:32PM PDT on Sep 27, 2011

i can see both sides ???

caterina c.

6:16AM PDT on Aug 7, 2011

...yes...it helps ro reduce overpopulatio...too many dogs and cats are waiting for a home...!!!! thks for the artcicle

6:15AM PDT on Aug 7, 2011

Nanette A.

3:37PM PDT on Jul 6, 2011

I agree. Too many unresponsible people.

Molly S.

3:02PM PDT on Jun 28, 2011

Part of being a pet owner is being responsible for your dog/cat and the kindest thing you can do is to fix them.

Phil M.

8:42AM PST on Dec 19, 2010

To spay or Neuter your dog you are doing one of the kindest things for them. As the article stated, there are too many dogs without loving homes.That also holds true for cats!