Is spaying or neutering your pet safe? Will it change your pet’s personality? Is it really necessary? Let’s take a look at some common myths.
MYTH: My pet will get fat and lazy.
- Neutering or spaying may reduce your pet’s overall activity level, natural tendency to wander, and hormonal balances, which may influence appetite. Pets that become fat and lazy after being altered, however, usually are overfed and do not get enough exercise.
MYTH: We want another pet just like Rover and Fluffy.
- Breeding two purebred animals rarely results in offspring that are exactly like one of the parents. With mixed breeds, it is virtually impossible to have offspring that are exactly like one of the parents.
MYTH: My pet’s personality will change.
- Any change will be for the better. After being altered, your pet will be less aggressive toward other dogs or cats, have a better personality, and will be less likely to wander. Spraying (urine marking), which is often done by dogs and cats to mark their territory, diminishes or ceases after pets are altered.
MYTH: We can sell puppies or kittens and make money.
- Even well-known breeders are fortunate if they break even on raising purebred litters. The cost of raising such a litter — which includes stud fees, vaccinations, and other health care costs, and feeding a quality food — consumes most of the “profit.” Most breeders raise breeds that they like and try to improve the standard of the breeds they raise, rather than try to make money.
MYTH: My children should witness our pet giving birth.
- Pets often have their litters in the middle of the night or in a place of their own choosing. Because pets need privacy when giving birth, any unnecessary intrusion can cause the mother to become seriously upset. These intrusions can result in an unwillingness to care for the offspring or in injury to the owners or to the pet.
MYTH: My pet being put under anesthesia is dangerous.
- Placing a pet under anesthesia is a very common concern of owners and although there is always a slight risk involved, the anesthetics currently used by veterinarians are very safe. Many veterinarians use equipment that monitors heart and respiratory rates during surgery to ensure that their patients are doing well under anesthesia. Thus, the medical benefits of having your pet spayed or neutered far outweigh the slight risk involved with undergoing anesthesia. Consult your veterinarian if you are concerned about the use of anesthesia for your pet.
- Unplanned pregnancies can lead to an overpopulation of pets, creating stress not just for your furry friend but for your entire household. Unwanted litters bring about a host of challenges, from finding suitable homes for the offspring to managing the health needs of multiple animals simultaneously. By opting for spaying or neutering, you’re contributing to a calmer and more harmonious living environment for both your pet and your family.