Pet Overpopulation. In a year, approximately 50,000 pets are euthanized in Oregon shelters alone. This is
due to the fact that there are not enough homes for these vast numbers of animals, including purebreds.
Pet Safety. The majority of pets that are hit by cars are intact animals. This is due to their desire to roam
"in search of" a mate.
Health of Your Pet
Mammary cancer is the number one cancer in female dogs. If she is spayed prior to her first heat cycle, this
risk is virtually eliminated. The odds increase with each heat cycle that passes, up to 2 ½ years, where the
risk plateaus.
Testicular cancer or infection will not occur in a neutered animal.
Prostate hyperplasia (enlargement) occurring in intact males can lead to cyst formation or infections of the
prostate gland.
Uterine infection (pyometra) is a very common and life threatening problem in intact females. Treatment
for this is an emergency (often requiring surgery) and can be very costly.
Behavioral Problems. Intact males often have more aggressive tendencies – either toward other animals,
or people. They also "mark" their territory, which may include your home.
Dealing With Heat Cycles When a bitch is coming in heat she will have a bloody vaginal discharge. The
amount varies but can be quite messy. She must be closely supervised as other dogs in the area can sense
this and will be determined to find her. She also will want to find them.
Myths
Spaying/neutering will make my pet fat and lazy. False. The amount of calories consumed and the amount
of exercise determines your pet's weight. The personality stays the same.
Having one litter will maker her a better pet. False. There is just no truth to this.
My pet is registered, or is a purebred, therefore it should be bred. False. Just because your pet has papers
does not make it breeding quality!
due to the fact that there are not enough homes for these vast numbers of animals, including purebreds.
Pet Safety. The majority of pets that are hit by cars are intact animals. This is due to their desire to roam
"in search of" a mate.
Health of Your Pet
Mammary cancer is the number one cancer in female dogs. If she is spayed prior to her first heat cycle, this
risk is virtually eliminated. The odds increase with each heat cycle that passes, up to 2 ½ years, where the
risk plateaus.
Testicular cancer or infection will not occur in a neutered animal.
Prostate hyperplasia (enlargement) occurring in intact males can lead to cyst formation or infections of the
prostate gland.
Uterine infection (pyometra) is a very common and life threatening problem in intact females. Treatment
for this is an emergency (often requiring surgery) and can be very costly.
Behavioral Problems. Intact males often have more aggressive tendencies – either toward other animals,
or people. They also "mark" their territory, which may include your home.
Dealing With Heat Cycles When a bitch is coming in heat she will have a bloody vaginal discharge. The
amount varies but can be quite messy. She must be closely supervised as other dogs in the area can sense
this and will be determined to find her. She also will want to find them.
Myths
Spaying/neutering will make my pet fat and lazy. False. The amount of calories consumed and the amount
of exercise determines your pet's weight. The personality stays the same.
Having one litter will maker her a better pet. False. There is just no truth to this.
My pet is registered, or is a purebred, therefore it should be bred. False. Just because your pet has papers
does not make it breeding quality!
Why Spay/Neuter Your Dog ?
Sandra Statter, DVM
