Spaying and Neutering: Fact vs. Fiction

There are a lot of rumors out there about spaying and neutering. Today, we're taking the opportunity to separate fact from fiction.

FICTION: Having your pet "fixed" is bad for his or her health.

FACT: Spaying and neutering reduces a pet's risk for cancers in the breasts, uterus, testicles and prostate.

FICTION: I should let my female have a litter before spaying her.

FACT: There is no evidence that allowing your pet to have a litter before spaying offers any benefit.

FICTION: I can't afford to spay or neuter my pet.

FACT: You can't afford not to spay or neuter your pet. According to the MSPCA, "The cost of caring for just one litter of puppies or kittens will far outweigh the one-time cost of this important surgery.  You'll not just save money in the long run, you'll save time and energy, too."

FICTION: My pet will mourn the loss of his or her reproductive capabilities.

FACT: Pets don't dream about raising a family. "Female dogs nurse for a few weeks, teach the puppies rules, boundaries, and limitations and send them off to join the pack. Male dogs are not 'fathers' in the human sense of the word; they do not even recognize puppies as their own," advises dog expert Cesar Millan.

Why should you schedule your pet's surgery at Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital? We provide a number of benefits you won't find elsewhere, including:

• Sedative and pain management medications
• Choice of laser surgery
• Heated surgery table
• Monitoring of heart rate and oxygen level
• ICU cage for recovery
• Complimentary pedicure
• Suture removal, if necessary, in 10 to 14 days.

Dial 908-464-0023 to schedule your pet's appointment. Remember, by spaying and neutering our pets, we can all help to reduce the overpopulation of dogs and cats.

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