Grade: 9

The best way to reduce the number of pets that suffer or must be destroyed is to reduce the number of kittens and puppies being born. Humane Societies and shelters are working toward the day when "surplus companion animals" are but a shameful memory. Veterinarians today are trying to educate the general public about ways they can help in the struggle to reduce the number of unwanted pets.

Start by downloading the lesson handouts (pdf) and printing them out. They include fun games, puzzles, and quizzes to help your child learn.

What does neutering mean?

It means to de-sex an animal by either castration or spaying (ovariohysterectomy) procedures.

What is meant by the words spaying and castrating?

Spaying is the surgical removal of the ovaries, oviduct and uterus. This operation usually takes place at 4 - 6 months of age. A spayed female cannot reproduce. Castration is the removal of the testicles; the result is a male animal that cannot reproduce. This operation also takes place around 4 - 6 months of age.

Why do we neuter animals?

It is one way in which we can decrease the number of homeless cats and dogs. The health of the animal may be jeopardized by not being neutered. Animals who are spayed or neutered are likely to live longer, healthier lives. Also, neutering the animal will decrease the expense of raising litters of puppies and kittens.

Neutering or spaying your dog or cat is one of the most caring actions you can take as a pet owner. Neutering is a surgical procedure which permanently sterilizes your pet. Some owners hesitate to neuter their animals because of certain myths and misconceptions associated with the subject. Contrary to popular belief, neutered pets do not become fat and lazy or undergo radical personality changes. Nor is the operation itself a very dangerous one. Your pet is neutered by your veterinarian. Spaying of females eliminates the possibility of unwanted offspring as well as reducing the incidence of mammary tumors or life-threatening uterine infections.

How are neutered pets better than non-neutered pets?

• Neutered animals are more attentive to their owners.
• Neutered pets wander less and are less likely to become lost.
• Neutered animals tend to be less aggressive toward other animals.
• Neutered Toms rarely spray, especially if they are castrated while young.
• Spraying makes them act unpopular with your neighbors.
• Females in heat are frustrated and anxious to escape, in order to seek a mate.
• They may become irritable.
• Castration eliminates mating duels with resulting injuries and veterinarian bills.
• Spayed bitches do not have a bloody discharge.
• Spayed cats do not howl incessantly.
• Neutered or spayed pets are more likely to relate well in the multi-pet household.
• Marking behaviors are reduced or eliminated.
• Neutering reduces or eliminates mounting in dogs.
• Females do not attract every intact male within a fifty-mile radius to your back door.

Neutered animals are also healthier because females are free from dangers in whelping and kittening. Females are spared from disease, infection, and cancer of the reproductive system. Neutering eliminates testicular cancer and reduces prostate gland problems in older dogs.

Castration:

An incision is made in the skin and tissue near the testicles. Each testicle is removed individually and its blood supply is tied off with suture. Once both testicles are removed, the skin is sutured back together.

Ovariohysterectomy:

A skin incision is made on the abdomen of the dog/cat. The incision is made far enough to penetrate into the abdomen. The ovaries are located individually and removed from their attachment on the body wall. The blood supply to each ovary is tied off. The uterus is removed with the ovaries. The abdomen and skin are then sutured back together. The sutures will remain in the skin for at least ten days before being removed. Or, if intradermal (hidden in the skin) sutures are used, they will dissolve by themselves.

After Surgery:

To avoid post-operative complications, follow your veterinarian's instructions carefully. Handle the cat or dog as little as possible. Check the suture area at least twice a day if you see signs of excessive redness, swelling, seepage, or missing sutures, call your vet. The sutures will remain in for ten days, but the dog or cat will be back to his/her normal self after 2 - 3 days. It is important to keep the pet from jumping, stretching or climbing, which might put stress on the sutures.

Myths associated with Spaying and Neutering:

Myth: "I don't want my pet to become fat and lazy."

Fact: Too little exercise and too much food may make your pet fat, but spaying and neutering does not.

Myth: "I don't want to take away his manhood."

Fact: Your pet doesn't relate to his own sexuality, like people do. Therefore, there is no need to "preserve virility."

Myth: "The female animals should experience at least one heat cycle before being spayed."

Fact: There are no known health benefits in allowing a female animal to reproduce.

But, there are many health benefits related to not letting her reproduce. In fact, the younger she is when she is spayed, the greater the health benefits.

Myth: "I can always find homes for the kittens/puppies."

Fact: By allowing your pet to have puppies and kittens, you are taking away potential homes for animals that are already in the shelters. And, any offspring from your pet may further contribute to pet overpopulation.

Myth: "Spaying/neutering is too expensive."

Fact: A pet is a big responsibility. As a responsible pet owner, you should be prepared for the costs of this procedure. It only amounts to less than $10 per year, if your pet has an average life span of 10-15 years.

Conclusion

Spaying or neutering your pet has many benefits. Animals that are sterilized typically have fewer health and behavioral issues. Plus, you are doing your part to control the pet population and improve the quality of life for the animals in your area as well as your own household. Feel free to call our office if you have any questions about spaying or neutering your pet.