Myth Busters: Spay and Neutering Edition
Bob Barker was a great game-show host and entertainer extraordinaire, and told us daily to spay and neuter our pets. So after all those years, did he have a point, or was he just playing us like we were a game of Plinko?
Thankfully, our fond childhood memories can remain intact. To spay and neuter your pet can help control the animal population, relieve pressure on shelters/rescues, and give pets quality lives. But indecision to go forward with it can come from the result of constant myths, lies, and exaggerations that have been spread through the grape-vine for years. But hey, who can blame you for worrying? A pet is a member of the family; of course we want the best for them! And we'd never want to hurt them. Well, fear not! We're here to provide our own version of myth busting -- with a furry spin on it.
Here are several myths that have accumulated throughout the years, and why they're busted:
MYTH: It's better to have one litter before spaying a female pet.
This is just false. Studies have shown that not only is this not true, it is actually healthier for a female pet to be spayed before their first litter. It ultimately leaves them with a better quality of life. As a result, some vets will now sterilize dogs and cats within 8 weeks of age.
MYTH: Male dogs will lose their "masculinity" if they are neutered; they need to have sex.
The only thing that will be affected if your male pet is neutered will be the influence of hormones. Your pet will retain its personality that is unique to him. Evidence points to this fact and underlines that your pet will not lose its temperament or training. The benefits to unlocking the best of your pet by neutering are wide, including:
- Less likely to roam away from home
- A drop in the need to urine mark
- A drop in unnecessary aggressive, and violent behavior
And of course the various, indirect benefits to the pet community and general public.
MYTH: Spaying and neutering will cause my pets to gain weight.
Also false. Your pet will only gain, or lose weight, depending on the amount of exercise he/she receives, as well as the your pets nutrition regimen. As long as you keep your pet active and eating healthy, you should not see any noticeable gain in weight.
MYTH: Spay/neuter operations are expensive.
Often times, you'll find that spaying or neutering your pets can be less expensive in the long run than caring for one who hasn't had work done. The effects of your furry loved one who remains unnecessarily aggressive, or that continues to urine mark, will add more stress emotionally, and to your bank account, than anyone wants.
MYTH: Spaying/neutering is unhealthy for pets.
Just the opposite! There are numerous health benefits accompanied to spaying and neutering.
- Pets live a longer, healthier life
- Pets are more friendly, kind and focused
- Neutering male dogs helps to reduce the risk of prostate cancer
- Spaying female cats helps to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, and greatly reduce the risk of breast cancer
- Females in heat will show nervous behavior, often cry incessantly and attract unwanted, male attention. Spaying will free them of such a burdensome trial.
These are just a few myths that we hope to have cleared up for you. Doesn't sound like such a bad idea, right? Maybe that Bob Barker guy knew what he was talking about, after-all.
