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Spay/Neuter Myths & Facts
The most important
thing to know about spaying and neutering is that it
saves lives. In every community in every U.S. state,
there are animals sitting in animal shelters waiting
for homes. Only about half of those dogs and cats
will ever get one. The other half will be
euthanized.
Making the
decision to spay or neuter your pet means fewer
pets- pets as sweet, loving, healthy, and deserving
of companionship as your own- will be euthanized for
lack of a home.
But just in case
you need more information before making this
important decision, here is the truth behind some
commonly spread myths about spaying and neutering.
Myth:
It's better to have one litter before spaying a
female pet.
Fact:
Every litter counts! Medical evidence indicates
just the opposite. In fact, the evidence shows that females spayed before their
first heat are typically healthier.
Myth:
I want my children to experience the miracle of
birth.
Fact:
The miracle of birth is quickly overshadowed by
the thousands of animals euthanized in animal shelters in communities all across
the country. Teach children that all life is precious by spaying and neutering
your pets.
Myth:
My pet is purebred.
Fact:
At least one out of every four pets brought to
animal shelters around the country is a purebred. There are just too many dogs
and cats- mixed breed and purebred. About half of all animals entering shelters
are euthanized.
Myth:
I want my dog to be protective.
Fact:
It is a dog's natural instinct to protect home
and family. A dog's personality is formed more by genetics and environment than
by sex hormones.
Myth:
I don't want my male dog or cat to feel like
less of a male.
Fact:
Pets don't have any concept of sexual identity
or ego. Neutering will not change a pet's basic personality. He doesn't suffer
any kind of emotional reaction or identity crisis when neutered.
Myth:
My pet will get fat and/or lazy.
Fact:
The truth is that most pets get fat and lazy
because their owners feed them too much and don't give them enough exercise.
Myth:
But my dog (or cat) is so special, I want a
puppy (or kitten) just like her.
Fact:
Your pet's puppies or kittens have an unlikely
chance of being a carbon copy of your pet. Even professional breeders cannot
make this guarantee. There are shelter pets waiting for homes who are just as
cute, smart, sweet, and loving as your own.
Myth:
It's expensive to have my pet spayed or
neutered.
Fact:
Many low-cost options exist for spay/neuter
services. Most regions of the U.S. have at least one spay/neuter clinic within
driving distance that are low-cost to free, and many veterinary clinics provide
discounts through subsidized voucher programs.
The cost of spaying or neutering depends on the sex, size, and age of the pet
and a number of other variables. However, regardless of the actual price, spay
or neuter surgery is a one-time cost. Consider it a relatively small cost
when compared to the cost of caring for a litter and ensuring the health of the
mother and her babies.
Myth:
I'll find good homes for all the puppies and
kittens.
Fact:
You may find homes for your pet's puppies and
kittens. But you can only control what decisions you make with your own pet, not
the decisions other people make with theirs. Your pet’s puppies and kittens, or
their puppies or kittens, could end up in an animal shelter, as one of the many
homeless pets in every community competing for a home. Will they be one of the
lucky ones?
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