Unless you are a professional breeder there are really no good reasons to not have your dog or cat spayed of neutered. In fact, spaying and neutering have many behavioral and health benefits and can make owning a dog and or cat a more satisfying and less stressful experience.
And, of course, the number of unwanted pets that result from chance encounters between intact animals is staggering. The Humane Society of the US estimates that six to eight million dogs and cats end up in shelters each year due to overpopulation and that three to four million of these pets end up being put to sleep. That is a national disgrace and for those of us that love pets a real reason to get behind spay/ neuter programs in our local areas.
Dogs and cats, both male and female are first able to breed at between six and nine months of age. Female dogs generally go through a heat cycle that can last up to four weeks every six months. Female cats can go into heat every three or four weeks at certain times of the year. Behavior changes can be common during these heat cycles. Females that are spayed are less likely to develop mammary tumors later in life.
Intact (not neutered) male dogs and cats are more likely to roam in search of a receptive female and, as you can imagine, they can get into lots of trouble on these incursions. Male dogs with protective or aggressive tendencies may be more so if left intact and intact male cats are more likely to mark their territory (which could include your couch) with smelly cat pee. Yuk!
So, obviously, there are really good reasons to have your pet spayed or neutered. The next question is when?
Over the last decade or so there has been a move towards early spay and neuter. The current guidelines from The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) support early spay and neuter between the ages of eight to sixteen weeks. Many humane organizations across the US support mandatory spay and neuter prior to adoption. This is a good thing because without it fifty to sixty percent of adopted animals don't get spayed or neutered.
There are still myths associated with early spay and neuter out there. Studies indicate that the benefits far outweigh any unproven problems. For instance, male cats neutered at 8 weeks of age do not have more urinary tract problems due to urethral development than intact male cats. And dogs that are neutered between eight and sixteen weeks do not end up smaller than breed standard due to the lack of male sex hormones.
The surgical procedure is actually safer and easier in young animals, too. For an idea of what the surgery entails check out this video on the PurinaCare® site. And speaking of PurinaCare, another good reason to consider purchasing a PurinaCare Plus Preventive Care policy for your puppy of kitten is the benefit offered for spaying and neutering.
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