About Spays and Neuters

A spay (ovario hysterectomy) is the surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries from the abdomen of a female animal.

The spay is the only foolproof method of birth control for female dogs. It is a permanent method, eliminating mix-ups in administration of pills, drops, or injections, which can result in accidental pregnancies.

A spayed animal no longer goes through heat cycles (female dogs normally come into heat twice a year). Spaying ends several problems associated with heat, including: spotting, roaming, and the necessity of confining females to prevent approaches of persistent males. Spaying also prevents such irritations as a whining, anxious dog in false pregnancy after heat.

The risk of mammary cancer is reduced if a dog is spayed before its first heat. Also, spayed pets cannot develop pyometra, a serious uterine infection. Finally, difficult pregnancy and delivery in older or ill pets is prevented.

Your pet will not gain weight if you provide a balanced diet and encourage regular exercise.

Your dog does NOT need to have a litter to mature, learn obedience, or become a good hunter.

A neuter (castration) is the surgical removal of the testicles from the scrotum of a male animal.

Neutering is the primary method of sterilizing male dogs.

Neutering a dog between 4 and 5 months of age inhibits development of mating. It prevents development of mating behavior and the obnoxious habit of spraying urine (lifting of leg) to mark territory and roaming. With these instincts diminished, the neutered dog is more compatible with people and easier to train.

An un-neutered male dog cannot control its mating instincts. Given freedom to wander, such an animal may become hurt or lost and is almost certain to be responsible for unwanted litters. Humane societies cannot place all unwanted animals; millions must be put to sleep. Countless others are abandoned.

Discuss your questions about breeding and birth control with us. If you plan to breed your pets, ask for information on how to care for the dam and litter. We recommend spaying or neutering your pets to prevent unwanted litters.