As a Pet Lover, you must have been asked hundreds of questions on spaying and neutering by other Pet Parents. There must have been times when you were looking for answers yourself or reasons to avoid spaying and neutering your pet. Out here, we hope to answer a few of your questions and also give you verified reasons as to why spaying or neutering your pet is important. Spaying or neutering is one of the most responsible ways in which pet parents can control unplanned litters and care for their pets.
What is Spaying/Neutering in Pets?
The removal of a female dog's reproductive organs is defined as spaying, while neutering refers to the same done in males. In female dogs, the vet removes her ovaries and usually her uterus as well. When a male pet is neutered, both its testicles and their aligned structures are removed.Neutering is the most common method for the sterilization of animals. Pet NGOs, PetRescue Organizations and Animal Shelters and Homes urge pet owners to have their pets neutered to prevent the birth of unwanted litters, which contributes to the overpopulation of unwanted animals in the rescue system. It is advisable to understand the below-mentioned health benefits if you are looking to spay/neuter your pet.
Health Benefits of Spaying/Neutering your Pet
1. Healthy and Long Life for your Female Pet
Uterine infections and mammary tumors can be avoided in female pets by spaying. As per American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, these are fatal in about 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats. Getting your pet spayed before her first heat cycle offers the best protection from these diseases.2. Neutering Guarantees Major Health Benefits for your Male Cat or Dog.
Unwanted litters are prevented and neutering your male companion also prevents testicular cancer.3. Spayed Female Cats or Dogs won’t go into Heat
Female felines usually go into heat four to five days every three weeks during the breeding season as every cycle varies. In an effort to attract mates, they'll howl and urinate more frequently and sometimes all over the house!4. Male Dogs will stay closer Home
A male who has not been neutered will do just about anything to find a mate! That includes digging his way under the fence and trying to escape from the house. If he manages to get free, he might risk a traffic accident or even a fight with other males.5. Neutered Males are Better Behaved
Cats and dogs who have been neutered or spayed focus their attention on their human families. In comparison, dogs and cats who have not been neutered may mark their territory by spraying strong-smelling urine all over the house. Problems with aggression can be avoided by early neutering.6. Spaying and Neutering your Pet holds good for the Society
Stray animals are looked at suspiciously in many parts of the country. They tend to prey on wildlife, cause car accidents, and even frighten small children and adults. Spaying and neutering helps in majorly reducing the number of animals on the streets.
7. Spaying and Neutering helps fight Pet Overpopulation and Euthanasia in Pets.
Cases of euthanasia and pet abandonment are rising as pets remain unneutered. Suffering strays due to high numbers of unplanned litters could have been prevented by timely measures taken through spaying and neutering.If you are concerned about the high costs of surgery, do take a look at tentative costing for this procedure.
Cost of Spaying/Neutering Pets in India
The rates below may differ from one private Vet Clinic to another, however, this would be the approximate cost. They may also charge depending on the breed. In government veterinary hospitals in India, you may be charged anywhere from Rs. 1600 - 3000.Male Cat - Rs. 4000
Female Cat - Rs. 5000-6000
Male Dog - Rs. 5000-6000
Female Dog - Rs. 6000-8000
As a concerned Pet Parent, it is more important to take care of your pet post the surgery. Keep these points in mind once the procedure is done.
Post Spaying/Neutering Surgery Care
- Keep the dog inside and away from other animals during the recovery period and don’t let the dog be active for up to 2 weeks after surgery, or as long as the vet has instructed.
- Ensure the dog is unable to lick their incision area by using a cone or other
- methods, as advised by the vet.
- Check the incision every day to make sure it’s healing properly. If redness or swelling, discharge or a stinky odor is sensed, contact your vet immediately.
- Do not give a bath to your dog for at least 10 days post-surgery. Call your vet if your dog seems uneasy, lethargic, does not have an appetite, is vomiting or has diarrhea.
Interesting Facts about Neutering and Spaying
> Over 80% of unneutered male dogs tend to develop prostate problems.> Dogs spayed before the first heat cycle have a 5% chance of developing mammary tumours.
> Dogs spayed after the first heat cycle have an 8% chance of developing mammary tumours.
> Dogs spayed after the second heat cycle have a 26% chance of developing mammary tumours.
A Pet Parent needs to watch out for perianal tumors (triggered by testosterone) and pyometra (almost always fatal without expensive and complicated surgery).
Stats mentioned as published in an article in USA Today (May 2013).
Medical Evidence also confirms these facts.
To conclude, the risk of not spaying and neutering your pets is more than just unwanted litters, it's the ultimate health decision for your pet.
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Most Popular Myths about Neutering/Spaying
A number of misconceptions about spaying and neutering dogs persist among new pet parents and even seasoned pet lovers.#Myth1
One of the most popular beliefs is that a sterilized dog will put on weightThis is not true. As long as dog owners provide the proper amount of exercise and dog food, your pet should remain healthy and strong even after spaying and neutering.
#Myth2
Spaying or Neutering is very costly.In fact, it is highly cost-effective. The cost of your pet's spaying/neutering surgery is less as compared to the cost of nursing and caring for a litter of pups. You would also save up on the cost of treatment if your unneutered pet manages to escape and get into a fight with any stray!
#Myth3
Spaying or neutering a dog will change a dog’s behaviorThis is not true. Spaying or neutering a dog or cat does not change its behavior much at all. It actually stops unwanted behavior such as marking in the house.
So, if you are looking to improve your pet’s quality of life and lifespan, then, spaying or neutering your pet would be the most important health decision made by you.
