Spay & Neuter FAQ
Neuter (Castration)
Castration is the medical term for neutering a male cat or dog. The procedure consists of surgical removal of the testicles and results in sterility. Though it is routinely performed, castration is a major surgery requiring general anesthesia and sterile operating technique.
What are the Advantages?
When a dog is castrated prior to sexual maturation (6-9 months of age), the dog's sexual instincts are reduced. Fighting and roaming, common in intact males, are usually (but not always) reduced. Castration may also lower a dog's general level of aggression. In older dogs, castration may be necessary to treat diseases of the testicles or prostate gland.
When a cat is castrated prior to sexual maturation (6-8 months of age), the cat's sexual instincts are reduced. Fighting and night prowling, common in intact males, are largely eliminated. The objectionable spraying and strong odor of urine in male cats are also reduced, and, in most cases, eliminated.
Will castrating my cat or dog make him fat and lazy?
No. Obesity is due to excessive caloric intake. Weight can be controlled by proper feeding and exercise.
Will castration change his personality, disposition, or intelligence?
Castration may decrease your dog's tendencies toward aggression, roaming, and/or territorial behavior, but it will not affect his intelligence or personality. All changes in disposition associated with neutering a cat are positive, such as reduced aggression and reduction of territorial behaviors, i.e. spraying. Your cat's intelligence and personality will not suffer in any way.
Spay (Ovariohysterectomy)
Ovariohysterectomy is the medical term for spaying a female cat or dog. The procedure consists of surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus. If the ovaries are not removed, the bothersome heat periods still occur even though pregnancy is impossible. Surgery is usually performed at 6 to 9 months of age. Though it is routinely performed, ovariohysterectomy is a major abdominal surgery requiring general anesthesia and sterile operating technique. Having your dog payed greatly reduces the chances of your dog developing mammary cancer as she ages.
What are the Advantages?
Prevention of pregnancy is the major reason for this surgery, but the procedure is often necessary in treating severe uterine infections, ovarian and/or uterine tumors, and some types of skin disorders. Following ovariohysterectomy:
- There will be no more heat cycles.
- There will be no more unwanted puppies or kittens.
- The uterine infections common in older dogs rarely occur.
- Mammary gland cancer seldom develops in dogs spayed before their first heat.
Will it make my cat or dog fat and lazy?
No. Obesity is due to excessive calorie intake. Weight can be controlled by proper feeding and exercise.
Will it change her personality, disposition or intelligence?
No. A cat or dog's personality does not fully develop until 1-2 years of age. If there were a personality change in a cat or dog spayed at a young age, it would have occurred without surgery.
Are there any problems associated with spaying?
A very small percentage of dogs have trouble holding their urine as they grow older. This is normally controllable with medication.
Shouldn't my dog have a litter first?
No. There is no advantage in allowing your dog to have a litter of puppies or cat to have a litter of kittens.
For more information about the benefits of spaying and neutering, please visit: http://www.doghause.com/spay.asp
