Neutering and spaying

Neutering or spaying your dog

Many dog owners are concerned that having their dog neutered will change the temperament of the animal. In fact some of the unwanted behaviors of unneutered dogs influenced by hormones will disappear after surgery. Some females may be grumpy or off their feed during a heat cycle. Males can display several behaviors such as mounting an object or person, marking territory by lifting a leg to urinate, aggression and roaming in search of a potential mate.

Pet overpopulation is a serious problem

It's not a virus and it's not a bacterium, but it is responsible for the deaths of millions of animals annually. This disease does not discriminate. It strikes dogs and cats, kittens and puppies, purebreeds and mixed breeds.... it is pet overpopulation, and it is the biggest problem facing animal shelters today.

Spaying or neutering your ferret

First-time ferret keepers are often surprised to learn that their new pet must be spayed or neutered. "I don't plan to breed her," they may reason, or "Why should I have him altered if he's never going to come into contact with any unspayed female ferrets?" The fact is, this simple surgical procedure could save your pet's life.

Spaying or neutering your pet rabbit

First-time rabbit caretakers are often surprised to learn that their new pet must be spayed or neutered. "I don't plan to breed her," they reason, or "Why should I have him altered if he's never going to come into contact with any unspayed females?" The fact is, rabbits who have been spayed or neutered live longer lives, make calmer pets and are less likely to exhibit negative behaviors.

First cat heat, or estrus

It will no doubt be easy to tell when your young female cat reaches sexual maturity and goes into her first estrus, or heat cycle. This usually occurs when an unspayed female cat is about six months old, and signals that your pet is ready to look for a mate.

First dog heat, or estrus

It will no doubt be easy to tell when your young female dog reaches sexual maturity and goes into her first estrus, or heat cycle. This usually occurs when an unspayed female dog is six to ten months old, and signals that your pet is ready to look for a mate.

Spaying or neutering your cat

Did you know that when a male cat is castrated before they begin marking their territory with urine they usually never develop that disruptive behavior?