Altering slows their metabolism. Therefore, you should decrease their food by 25 percent after getting them "fixed." With today's exceptionally safe anesthetics, the surgical procedure for sterilization is safer and more routine.
Scientifically proven facts show that sterilized pets have greatly reduced chances of developing certain types of cancer. In general, spayed and neutered pets live longer. Neutered male dogs have significantly reduced chances of having enlarged prostate, prostate cancer, testicular cancer and rectal cancer. In addition, neutering reduces undesirable behavioral traits such as urine marking, aggressive behavior and the tendency to roam.
Spayed female dogs have extremely reduced chance of having mammary (breast) cancer. It diminishes chances of uterine infections and heat cycles, which are messy due to bloody vaginal discharge.
Most importantly, sterilizing pets saves lives by preventing overcrowding in animal shelters. In the United States, an estimated 52 million dogs and 57 million cats live with families. For every human born, seven puppies and kittens are born! One female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats in seven years! One female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 dogs in six years.
More than 12 million dogs and cats are euthanized in shelters each year. Millions more are abandoned in rural and urban areas. At least 25 percent of dogs entering shelters each year are purebred. Approximately 61 percent of all dogs entering shelters are euthanized. Approximately 75 percent of all cats entering shelters are euthanized.
Obviously, spaying and neutering is very beneficial for your pet's health. Additionally, it helps prevent overcrowding in shelters which leads to euthanasia of homeless pets. Presently, there are numerous programs and organizations to assist in the cost of getting your pet "fixed."
There are several non-profit groups that have received federal grants for spaying and neutering homeless, feral cats. Also, they take some animals from shelters and provide foster homes for them until they are adopted.
Furthermore, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture has budgeted money for spay-neuter vouchers for low-income pet owners. Contact your veterinarian for more information regarding spay-neuter assistance.
Please remember, have your pets spayed and neutered to ensure they live happy and healthy lives.
