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To Spay/Neuter or Not to Spay/Neuter-That is The Question

teampetluv
Feb 21, 2015
2 min read

Pet parents have many things to consider when they get a pet. Many pets including, cats, dogs, rabbits, etc., can have these procedures done. I must admit, personally, I was once against it. Whether to spay or neuter your pet is one important decision you will have to make.

When I had Missy, I considered getting her spayed. But, spaying wasn’t recommended because of her illness. Your doctor should run tests to make sure your pet can handle the surgery.

When I adopted Emma, she had already been spayed. When I got Libra, I had to sign a contract saying that I would have her spayed. I wasn’t happy with this. I used to feel that it was unfair to the dog. It was pretty ignorant thinking.

The day Libra was spayed was rough for me. I was at work, but I kept calling home to see if there was any news. When we brought her home, the vet gave her the Elizabethan collar to prevent her from licking and causing infection. The anesthesia still had her groggy and she was out of it. I felt guilty and bad. Now, I appreciate that she’s spayed. As a responsible pet owner, I do wish there could be Libra Jr’s, etc., (LOL). But, I have the freedom of going on walks without having male dogs follow before I’m aware that her heat has started, the occurrence of mammary or ovarian cancer is reduced, and we can freely go to many dog parks.

If I get a rescue pet or a puppy from a breeder, I will possibly go through my emotional rollercoaster about spaying/ neutering, but I will definitely do it again, no question.

Here are some spaying and neutering tips:

Spaying - females

Neutering - males

Why:

less roaming and aggressiveness in male dogs
lowers the risk of cancers
limits territorial marking (urinating in different places)
aids in controlling the pet population
some dog parks require it
Rabbits: reproduce faster than cats or dogs
Peace of mind

Why not:

Prize-winning dog
Illness
Breeding (please be responsible with this)

Age:

- 12- 16 weeks – 6 months old- before puberty (Cats –small to medium dogs) (Libra was 13 months old, had already had her first heat period, but everything turned out fine- the actual age of spaying/neutering is controversial)

- 10 -12 months- before the second heat- (large breed dogs)

Cost:

- $200-$300 – costs vary

Your local animal shelter or humane society can perform the surgery at a lower rate.
Some vets have monthly payment plans where the cost of spaying/neutering can be included. (We use Banfield’s Wellness plans)

References and More Info:

http://www.petmd.com/dog/care/evr_determining_best_age_to_spay_or_neuter

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/spay-neuter

http://pets.costhelper.com/spay-neuter-dog.html