Why Should I Spay or Neuter My Dog?

Spaying is the procedure of giving a hysterectomy to a female animal. Neutering is the removal of the male animals testicles. This surgical procedure is performed by a veterinarian in order to render the animal incapable of reproduction. The biggest reason that Spaying and Neutering is important is because it reduces overpopulation and it is beneficial for many health reasons. 

The procedure can be performed as early as six weeks of age.

Overpopulation is the biggest single reason to Spay or Neuter. Estimates indicate that over ten million animals are euthanized at shelters each year. This is because there are just not enough homes available and there is not enough room or resources to care for the number of pets coming into them. Having your pet neutered will help reduce these numbers and ensure that you will not be adding to this tremendous burden.

But Overpopulation is not the only reason to Spay or Neuter. There are health benefits as well. It will help your dog live a happier, healthier and longer life. 

It also eliminates a lot of behavior problems. It stops the mating drive in males, reduces roaming, running away, fighting, accidental injury, poisoning and disease. If you have more than one pet in your household, all the pets will get along better if they are neutered.

Long-term benefits of neutering includes improved health. Early neutering nearly eliminates the possibility of breast cancer and totally prevents uterine infections. It also reduces the possibility uterine and testicular cancer to almost zero. 

Some people say that you only need to "fix" the female dogs. This is not the case. Beside the health issues listed above, intact males often are more aggressive and fight for territory with other males, even those who are neutered. 

Animal overpopulation effects us all. Millions of tax dollars are annually spent to find and catch wild, abandoned, and unwanted pets. The really sad part is that much of this money is spent to destroy the animals when homes cannot be found. 

Human health is also threatened. At-Large dogs transmit diseases, including rabies and serous infections from animal bites. 

Property damage and livestock killing can occur when Farrell dogs roam in search of food.