Many people are surprised to learn that more than 3 million animals are euthanized each year in nationwide shelters. You might think that these are animals born in the streets or there is something wrong with them. But more often they are the offspring of cherished family pets, even purebreds. Maybe someone’s dog got out just that one time, or perhaps the litter was intentional but efforts to find enough good homes failed.
Still, the result is homeless animals that have to be euthanized because there are more dogs entering shelters than there are people willing to provide them with loving care. Even if you do find homes for your dog’s puppies, that means there are fewer homes available to take in other pets from shelters. Spay/neuter is the only permanent, 100-percent effective method of birth control for dogs.
Homeless animals may get into trash containers, defecate in the neighborhood and bite or attack. Spaying or neutering your dog means that your animal and its potential offspring won’t contribute to the population of unwanted pets.
You can also enjoy your spayed or neutered pet more. Female dogs that have been spayed do not go into heat. You won’t have the mess that comes with the female reproductive cycle or the boisterous, noisy male suitors. Spaying and neutering may also reduce the risk of certain health problems, offering you more years with your beloved dog.
Licensed veterinarians perform the spay or neuter operation while the pet is under anesthesia. Depending on its age, size and health, your dog will stay at your veterinarian’s office for a few hours or a few days. Depending on the procedure, your dog may need stitches removed. Your veterinarian can fully explain spay and neuter procedures to you. If you have a new puppy, don’t wait! Pets can become parents sooner than you think. Early age spay/neuter is safe and effective, so talk with your veterinarian at your dog’s first visit.
Spay or neuter surgery carries a one-time cost that is relatively small when you consider the benefits. For dogs living in homes with limited income, reduced cost procedures may be available. Humane societies work with veterinarians to offer subsidized and affordable spay-and-neuter services in veterinarians offices, specialized clinics and even customized mobile units that bring safe, effective spaying and neutering into specific neighborhoods.
SOURCE: The Humane Society of the United States
Fortunately, mammary cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer in dogs since it rarely occurs in female dogs that were spayed before their first heat. Gerald Post, a veterinary oncologist, told ABC News, “It’s important for owners to spay female animals before the animal first goes into heat, because each following heat cycle increases the risk of developing the cancer.”
