MYTH
Female dogs and cats should have at least one litter before having them spayed.
FACT
There is no medical evidence to justify allowing a dog or cat to have a litter before spaying. In fact, spaying female dogs and cats eliminates the possibility of developing uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the threat of mammary cancer.
MYTH
Behavior is adversely affected by sterilization.
FACT
The only changes in dog and cat behavior after spaying or neutering are positive changes. Male cats tend to reduce territorial spraying, depending on their age at neutering. Neutered dogs and cats fight less, resulting in fewer bite or scratch wounds and lessening the spread of contagious diseases. Male dogs and cats tend to stay home more after neutering because they no longer wander in search of a mate.
MYTH
Animals are less active and overweight after spaying or neutering.
FACT
As any animal matures, it is necessary for human guardians to adjust dietary intake to compensate for more sedentary lifestyles. Animals become overweight only whey they are fed too much and not exercised properly.
MYTH
Males don't have litters, so we won't need to neuter them.
FACT
It takes both a male and a female dog or cat for reproduction. While a female dog or cat may only have one litter a year, male animals can impregnate females many times each day.
MYTH
Spaying and neutering is painful.
FACT
A doctor of veterinary medicine performs surgical sterilization under general anesthesia. The patient does not feel the procedure itself. There may be mild discomfort after the surgery, but most animals return to normal activity within 24 to 72 hours. The minimal discomfort experienced by dogs and cats that are spayed or neutered is well worth the endless suffering that is prevented by eliminating homeless puppies and kittens.
MYTH
Children should experience the miracle of birth.
FACT
Most dogs and cats have their litters at night in quiet, dark places far from anyone's sight. Every litter of puppies and kittens born contributes to the thousands of unwanted dogs and cats that experience death every day in our nation's animal shelters.
MYTH
Dogs will not be protective after they are altered.
FACT
Spaying or neutering does not affect a dog's natural instinct to protect his home and family.