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Spaying or Neutering Your Pet

By Dr. Ron Helten

            I am frequently asked by the owner of a new puppy or kitten if their pet really needs to be “fixed” or “altered”.  There are a few reasons not to get your female dog or cat spayed or your male pet neutered but many more reasons to get the surgery done.

            The spay operation or ovariohysterectomy, involves removing both ovaries and the uterus from a female dog or cat. She will no longer be able to have offspring, so if Uncle Charlie wants a pup from your good hunting dog, he is out of luck. If your dog or cat is of show quality, they cannot compete in the show ring if neutered. Pets tend to gain weight easier if spayed or castrated but like in people, excess calories and lack of exercise is the main cause of weight gain.

Spayed dogs and cats no longer have their heat cycle, there is no chance of unplanned puppies or kittens, uterine and breast cancer risk is rare, and with dogs, the yearly license fee is substantially less.

            The neuter (castration) operation in male dogs and cats involves the removal of both testicles. In male cats, the strong tomcat odor of the urine is prevented and urine marking outside the litter pan is rare. With male dogs, the mounting behavior on other dogs and peoples’ legs is eliminated and they won’t lift their leg to mark their territory with urine. Male dogs and cats seem to find ways out of a yard if a female is in heat in the area. Getting hit by a car or getting in a fight with other pets is also more common. Prostate enlargement and cancer is also more common in intact male pets.

            There are more puppies and kittens produced in Wichita and across the country every year than there are good homes for them. Approximately twenty-five dogs and cats are euthanized daily at the animal shelter. If your dog or cat is to be a companion pet, getting him or her “fixed” will lead to a longer, healthier life and less pet overpopulation.