ALL ABOUT SPAY & NEUTER

When we bring our pets to our homes, the best way to give them a healthy start is to spay/ neuter them. “Spaying” and “Neutering” (medically known as ‘ovariectomy’ and ‘castration’ respectively) are surgical procedures that curb pet animals from producing any offsprings.

But in addition to avoiding accidental litters, it also has various health and behavioral benefits:

1. Increases life expectancy - Studies have shown that spayed/neutered pets live longer on average (39% longer for cats and 28% longer for dogs). It also prevents the development of certain cancers, such as ovarian cancer, mammary cancer in females, and testicular cancer in males, at bay. Spaying also prevents the potentially life-threatening infection, pyometra, in females.

2. Pets are better behaved - Once neutered/spayed, cats and dogs are less likely to behave aggressively. They are calmer and it is improbable for them to bite, attack, or get involved in territory-marking activities such as spraying. It also reduces the risk of them getting into any fights, resulting in fewer injuries.

3. Pets are happier at home - The spayed female pets don’t go into heat. As a result of that, it suppresses possible aggression in dogs and keeps the cats from howling relentlessly. Neutered male pets are less frustrated and their likelihood of wandering away or escaping decreases. It makes them a calmer companion.

Myths regarding Spay and Neuter

Myth: An animal needs to have a litter/one heat before sterilization.

Fact: Medical evidence indicates just the opposite. Females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier.

Myth: Dogs lose their protective nature.

Fact: It is a dog’s natural instinct to protect home and family. A dog’s personality is formed by its genetics and environment.

Myth: Pets gain weight from being spayed or neutered.

Fact: Animals become overweight due to the same reasons as people do. Enough exercise and a healthy diet in moderation will keep them fit and healthy.

Risks involved

Spaying and neutering removes reproductive hormones from the pet’s body. Apart from its many benefits, it also extends minor effects on bone development and other body systems.

Pets may tend to go through some discomfort which includes pain, bleeding, infection, or a bad reaction to the drugs used. However, this varies from one animal to another.

Most may not suffer from these after-effects of the surgery.

Some tips for a safe and comfortable recovery:

● Provide your pet with a quiet place to recover indoors and away from other animals.

● Prevent your pet from running and jumping for about two weeks following surgery, or as long as your veterinarian recommends.

● Prevent your pet from licking the incision site, which may cause infection, by distracting your pet with treats or by using an Elizabethan collar.

● Avoid bathing your pet for at least ten days after surgery.

● Check the incision site daily to confirm proper healing.

Spaying and Neutering is not just something you can do for the betterment of your pet, but millions of others who are born and left homeless. They not only suffer the cruelty and neglectfulness of the people but struggle on the streets to survive for the lack of a loving home. As a community, our one step can make a big difference.