The Benefits of Spaying and Neutering
Making an informed choice for your pet's health and happiness
Cancer Prevention
Spaying and neutering dramatically reduce the risk of several types of cancer:
- Eliminates risk of ovarian and uterine cancer in females
- Greatly reduces mammary cancer risk when done before first heat
- Eliminates testicular cancer risk in males
- Reduces prostate cancer and other prostate issues
Longer Lifespan
Spayed and neutered pets typically live longer, healthier lives:
- Studies show spayed and neutered pets often live significantly longer
- Reduced risk of life-threatening infections
- Fewer emergency veterinary situations
- Overall improved quality of life
Disease Prevention
The procedure prevents several serious health conditions:
- Eliminates risk of pyometra (life-threatening uterine infection)
- Prevents ovarian cysts and complications
- Reduces risk of perianal tumors
- Decreases urinary tract infections
Behavioral Improvements
Many behavioral issues are reduced or eliminated:
- Reduces aggression and territorial marking
- Decreases roaming and escape attempts
- Eliminates heat cycles and related behaviors
- Reduces mounting and dominance behaviors
Gender-Specific Benefits
Benefits for Female Pets
Spaying (Ovariohysterectomy or other sterilization methods)
- Eliminates heat cycles and associated bleeding
- Prevents unwanted pregnancies and complications
- Reduces mammary cancer risk by 99.5% when done before first heat
- Eliminates risk of ovarian and uterine cancers
- Prevents pyometra (potentially fatal uterine infection)
- Reduces tendency to roam looking for mates
- Eliminates mood swings associated with heat cycles
Benefits for Male Pets
Neutering (Castration, vasectomy, or other sterilization methods)
- Eliminates testicular cancer risk completely
- Greatly reduces prostate problems and cancer
- Reduces aggressive behaviors and fighting
- Decreases territorial marking and spraying
- Reduces roaming behavior and escape attempts
- Eliminates mounting behaviors
- Reduces risk of perianal tumors
Common Myths Debunked
Myth #1
"My pet will get fat and lazy"
Weight gain is caused by overfeeding and lack of exercise, not spaying/neutering. With proper diet and exercise, spayed and neutered pets maintain healthy weights just like intact pets.
Myth #2
"My pet's personality will change"
Your pet's fundamental personality remains the same. The procedure typically reduces negative behaviors like aggression, roaming, and marking while keeping all the loving traits you cherish.
Myth #3
"Female pets should have one litter first"
There's no medical benefit to having a litter before spaying. In fact, spaying before the first heat cycle provides the greatest health benefits, including maximum cancer prevention.
Myth #4
"The surgery is too risky"
Spay and neuter surgeries are among the most common veterinary procedures with very low complication rates. The health benefits far outweigh the minimal surgical risks.
Myth #5
"It's not natural"
While reproduction is natural, many 'natural' behaviors like roaming, fighting, and territorial marking aren't suitable for pets living in human families. Spaying/neutering helps pets adapt to domestic life.
Myth #6
"My pet is too old"
Healthy pets can be safely spayed or neutered at almost any age. Older pets often benefit significantly from the procedure, especially in preventing certain cancers and infections.
When Should You Spay or Neuter?
The optimal timing depends on your pet's size, breed, and individual development. Your breeder has set your deadline based on current veterinary research and breed-specific recommendations.
Your SpaySecure Deadline
Your specific deadline was determined by your breeder based on veterinary research for your pet's breed and size. This timing is designed to maximize health benefits while allowing for proper development.
Need more time? If your veterinarian recommends delaying the procedure for your pet's health, we have a process for extending deadlines based on veterinary recommendations.
Small Breeds
Dogs under 45 pounds are often sterilized around 4-6 months of age, typically before their first heat cycle.
Large Breeds
Dogs over 45 pounds may benefit from waiting until 6-12 months to allow for proper bone and joint development.
Cats
Cats can be safely sterilized as early as 4 months old, well before they reach sexual maturity at 5-6 months.
Procedure Options
Various sterilization methods are available. Discuss options like traditional spay/neuter, vasectomy, or other procedures with your veterinarian.
Your SpaySecure deadline reflects current research for your pet's specific needs. Always consult with your veterinarian about the best sterilization method and timing for your individual pet.
Community Impact
When you spay or neuter your pet, you're contributing to a larger effort to reduce pet overpopulation and improve animal welfare in your community.
Pets enter shelters annually
Dogs are euthanized yearly
Cats are euthanized yearly
By spaying or neutering your pet, you're helping ensure that every pet has a chance at a loving home. You're also supporting responsible breeding practices that prioritize quality over quantity.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Now that you understand the benefits, it's time to schedule your pet's procedure. We're here to help you every step of the way.
Find a Vet