Important Reasons to Spay Or Neuter Your Pet

Spaying your female pet (ovariohysterectomy):

- Removal of the ovaries and uterus.
- Ideal age is 4-6 months.
- If spayed before the first heat cycle, your pet has less than 1% chance of developing breast cancer.
- If spayed after one heat cycle, your pet has an 8% chance of developing breast cancer.
- If spayed after two heat cycles, the risk increases to 26%.
- After 2 years no protective benefit exists.
- Eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer.
- Eliminates unwanted pregnancies.
- Pets with diabetes or epilepsy should be spayed to prevent hormonal changes that may interfere with medication.

Neutering your male pet (castration):

- Removal of the testicles and spermatic cord.
- Ideal age is 4-6 months.
- Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer, the second most common tumor in male dogs.
- Greatly reduces the risk of prostate cancer and prostatitis.
- Reduces the risk of perianal tumors.
- Reduces roaming and fighting.
- Eliminates or reduces spraying or marking in males neutered before 6 months of age or before the onset of these behaviors.
- Eliminates the risk and spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
- Eliminates unwanted litters.

Unfortunate Reality
More than 4 million pets are euthanized in U.S. shelters each year simply because they have no home. Many are puppies and kittens less than 6 months old. Help stop this needless loss of life. Spay and neuter your pets.

Common Myths
Spaying or neutering your pet does not:
-Cause laziness or hyperactivity.
-Reduce its instinct to protect your family and home.
-Cause immature behaviors.
-Postpone or delay normal behavioral maturity.
-Alter its personality in any manner.

Our staff can answer your questions about spaying or neutering your pet or any other procedure your pet may undergo at our hospital. Please don’t hesitate to ask.