Common Misconceptions About Spaying and Neutering

One of the most important decisions that a pet owner must make is whether to spay and neuter their pets. Though many are deterred by cost or medical concerns, this procedure can provide many long-term benefits for your pet’s health and happiness, all while saving the lives of other homeless animals and reducing the widespread epidemic of animal overpopulation in our world today. Be a part of the Solution, our towns and communities spend staggering sums of money annually to round up, care for and sadly, to euthanize the millions of homeless animals that result from the lack of spaying and neutering. Safe and affordable spaying and neutering of all the pets we adopt into our homes can substantially impact this tragedy. Spay and neuter your pets as early as possible. Encourage your family and friends to do the same.

Here are some common misconceptions that deter owners from making the decision about spaying and neutering.

The Cost is Too High

Spaying and neutering are actually very affordable surgeries. And, in most communities, there are low-cost or free spay-and-neuter clinics meaning everyone can have access to the procedures. Compared to the cost of having and caring for a litter (or worse, taking a litter to the shelter), spaying and neutering is definitely a more cost-effective and compassionate choice.

It Will Change My Pet’s Personality

Spaying and neutering have no impact on your pet’s personality. The procedures will reduce or eliminate some undesirable behaviors (aggression, urine marking, roaming, etc.). Furthermore, it often increases your pets’ interest in you since they will no longer be focused on finding a mate!

It Will Diminish My Pets’ Intelligence or Ability to Learn and Play

The procedures have no effect at all on your pets’ cognitive abilities. They will continue to engage, interact and learn new things as they did before spaying or neutering.

It Will Cause My Pet to Become Overweight

Pets become overweight – just like people – when they are inactive, eat too much and exercise too little, not because they are spayed/neutered. Your pets will stay fit and trim if you control their food intake and make sure they get regular exercise.

I Should Wait Until My Female Dog or Cat Has One Litter Before Spaying

It is actually best to spay females before they are sexually mature because spaying reduces the risk of certain cancers in female dogs and cats by as much as 85%.

Spaying and Neutering is Not Safe

These procedures are now the most common surgeries performed by veterinarians. Your pet will experience relatively little pain and discomfort and will be back to normal activities within a few days in most cases.

Spaying and neutering is also associated with increased health benefits and longevity. But if you’re a first-time pet parent, you may have heard or read statements that give you pause. Neutering my dog will alter his personality. Spaying a female cat before a first litter is dangerous. Spay and neuter surgeries are unaffordable. If you’re not sure what to believe, talk to your veterinarian who is intimately connected with the issue help separate fact from fiction. As with human medicine, animals are unique individuals, which is why the best person to talk to about your pet’s health needs is, of course, your vet.