Why Spay/Neuter?
Why Spay or Neuter Pets in Burke County?
Why is it important to spay or neuter pets in Burke County?
Chances are, if you are a resident of Burke County, you saw a stray dog or cat on your way to work or shopping this morning. That stray was no doubt the unwanted offspring of a Burke County pet.
There are many benefits to spaying or neutering your pet. These include:
- Spay and Neuter for a Happy & Healthy Pet. Spaying and neutering removes discomfort, distress, and distraction associated with breeding. On average, spayed and neutered pets also live longer.
- Spay and Neuter to Prevent Cancer. When you spay or neuter your pet, you reduce and/or eliminate the chance of prostate, testicular, uterine, and ovarian cancer.
- Spay and Neuter to Prevent Unwanted Litters and Strays. Stray dogs and cats create many problems in peaceful neighborhoods. Stray dogs can become aggressive toward people and other animals. Both dogs and cats that are not spayed or neutered can also result in unwanted offspring.
- Spay and Neuter to Promote Personal Responsibility. Humans created the cat and dog overpopulation crisis. Let’s promote personal responsibility to solve the problem by preventing future litters. Let’s make Burke County a better place for people and pets!
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
A female cat or dog who has had both ovaries and uterus surgically removed and is not capable of producing offspring is spayed.
A male cat or dog who has had both testicles surgically removed and is not capable of producing offspring is neutered.
These are two common misconceptions about spaying. You will do so much more for the health of your pet by spaying before the first heat. It has been reported that by doing so, you will reduce the chance of mammary (breast) cancer in your pet by as much as 97% over her lifetime. The chance of other reproductive cancers (uterine, ovarian) and uterine infection is eliminated in spayed animals. Even after the first heat, spaying will reduce the risks of certain cancers and eliminate reproductive organ disease.
For many years veterinarians recommended spaying or neutering at 6 months of age. Now, however, the American Veterinary Medical Association states an animal can be spayed or neutered before 5 months of age (pediatric surgery).
“Adolescent” cats and dogs as young as 5 months can get pregnant. For many reasons, it is important to spay or neuter BEFORE the first litter is born – before 6 months.
Neutering DOES helps prevent spraying, roaming, and aggressive behavior. It is best to alter males before they reach 5 months of age, and before they start “spraying” or “marking.” Even if a cat has started spraying, neutering may help. It usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks for the hormones to subside after the neutering.
One female cat has the ability to produce an average of about 12 kittens each year if not spayed. Just one female cat can produce up to 180 kittens in her lifetime.
This varies, depending on the dog, but average litters are 5 puppies. Dogs can go into heat twice in one year, so that means they could give birth to up to 10 puppies in one year.
Ask Us a Question....
Note: If you are a Burke County resident and would like to inquire whether your pet qualifies for spay or neuter surgical assistance, you must call our number and leave a message. We generally take calls the first two weeks of each month. Please go to this page to start the process.
If you have a general question about the health and safety of cats or dogs, then complete the form. There is also an option to subscribe to our free quarterly newsletter on this form.
