Spaying and neutering your cat or dog is an essential part of responsible pet ownership. But, there are numerous myths about spay/neuter surgery that cause many people to avoid the procedures, but the fact is sterilization makes your dog or cat a better behaved and healthier pet. Following are some myths debunked by our veterinarians:
Myth: Pregnant cats or dogs can not be safely spayed.
Truth: In most cases, pregnant dogs and cats are spayed to prevent the birth of puppies or kittens. The veterinarian will, however, consider the pregnancy stage and health condition of the dog or cat, before deciding whether she can be safely spayed.
Myth: Spay or neuter is a painful surgery that can also harm the dog or cat.
Truth: During spay/neuter surgery, dogs and cats are anesthetized so that they don’t feel any pain. However, after the surgery some pets experience some discomfort, but such discomfort disappears within a few days. Moreover, the pain management medication helps reduce the pain and uneasiness. Serious harm after spay or neuter surgery is extremely rare.
Myth: Neutered dogs are less protective or loyal to their guardians
Truth: Neutering doesn’t affect a dog’s natural instinct to protect your family or home. The surgery leads to some hormonal changes only that doesn’t affect your dog’s personality that is formed by genetics and environment.
Myth: Spayed or neutered dogs and cats become fat and lazy.
Truth: In some dogs and cats, metabolism does reduce after the surgery. But, if fed an appropriate diet and adequately exercised, spayed or neutered animals are unlikely to become fat and lazy.
Myth: My dog or cat is too old to be spayed or neutered.
Truth: Though, early spaying or neutering is preferred and considered optimal, but still there are advanced techniques and safer anesthetic drugs that your older pets can be spayed or neutered safely. The dogs and cats over 7 years of age are required to have blood work before surgery to check the liver and kidney function before administering anesthesia.
Myth: After being sterilized, my pet will feel less like a male or female.
Truth: Spay or neuter will not change a pet’s basic personality and there won’t be any kind of emotional reaction. But the surgery will give you a better behaved pet. Sterilized pets are more affectionate and less likely to bite, run away or become aggressive.
Myth: Let my pet have one litter first before the surgery.
Truth: Medical evidence shows that female pets that are spayed prior to their first heat are healthier than other pets. The females that are not spayed are at a higher risk of mammary or breast cancer and infections of the uterus. Males neutered early in life are less likely to suffer from prostate infections.
In brief, the truth is that neutered and spayed dogs or cats are better pets. If you have some more questions about spay or neuter surgery feel free to ask us at Humberwood Animal hospital.
Be a part of the solution. Spay or neuter your pet today!
