Dixie Dogs & Cats

Myths and Facts about Spaying and Neutering:

• My pet will get fat and lazy... The truth is most pets become overweight because they overeat and are not given enough exercise opportunities.  Just like people, pets are affected by their diet and lifestyle.
• It's better to have one litter first... Medical evidence indicates just the opposite.  In fact, the evidence shows that females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier.  Many veterinarians now sterilize dogs and cats as young as eight weeks of age.  Check with your veterinarian about the appropriate time for these procedures.
• But my pet is a purebred... So is at least one out of every four pets brought to animal shelters around the country.  In fact, there are pure breed rescue groups that deal with finding homes just for purebred animals.  These groups, like the shelters, are overburdened with abandoned animals.  There are just too many dogs and cats- mixed and purebred!
• I want my dog to be protective... Spaying and neutering does not affect a dog's natural instinct to protect home and family.  A dog's personality is formed more by genetics and environment than by sex hormones.
• I don't want my male pet to feel like less of a male... Pets don't have any concept of sexual identity or ego.  Neutering will not change a pets basic personality.  He doesn't suffer any kind of emotional reaction or identity crisis when neutered.
• It's too expensive to have my pet spayed or neutered... The cost of spaying or neutering depends on the sex, size, and age of the pet, your veterinarian's fees, and a number of other variables.  Whatever the actual price, spay or neuter surgery is a one-time cost- a relatively small cost when compared to all the benefits.  It's a bargain compared to the cost of having a litter and ensuring the health of the mother and the litter.  Two months of pregnancy and another two months until the litter is weaned can add up to significant cost for food and veterinary care, even more if complications develop.  Most importantly, it's a very small price to pay for the health of your pet and the prevention of more unwanted pets.
• I'll find good homes for all the puppies and kittens... You may find homes for all of your pets litter, but each home you find is one less home for each puppy or kitten already waiting for homes in animal shelters across the country.  Also, in less than one year's time, each of your pets offspring may have a litter of their own, adding even more animals to the population.  The problem of pet overpopulation is created and perpetuated one litter at a time.