Spay and Neuter 101: The Basics

According to the Humane Society, more than three million dogs are euthanized every year. Abandoned in shelters, our nation’s chronic over-population of dogs has reached epic proportions. This is why animal advocates continue to remind the general population to spay and neuter our dogs. But aside from the population issues, there are also health-related reasons why getting your dog “fixed” comes so highly recommended.

Please Spay and Neuter Your Dog

Reduce Injury and Disease

Spaying and neutering can prevent cancer. In addition, neutered male dogs will less likely want to run away (read: get hit by cars) or engage in rough-housing with other male dogs. Also, male dogs are inherently territorial and if not neutered will use dominance over other dogs, particularly when a female is involved. Just visit any dog park in America to see an unneutered, hump-anything-in-sight male doing his thing.

Dismiss the Myths

Dogs have an innate desire to breed. It’s just a fact. And contrary to popular lore, spaying and neutering your dog does not make them lazy, gain weight, or change personality type. All the spay and neuter procedure does is prevent your dog from seeking out other dogs to mate with.

Reduce the Population

As described in the opening, a major reason to spay and neuter your dog is to control the animal population. The reasons are threefold:

1. Minimize the number of homeless dogs in shelters
2. Reduce the number of pups roaming our city’s streets for scraps
3. Eliminate the likelihood that dogs will attack pets

The Humane Society reports that a single female dog (and her offspring) can give birth to hundreds of puppies within 6 years. So, unless you’re a breeder, there is no reason to not have your dog spayed or neutered.

Dog Ownership Equals Collective Responsibility

Your primary job is to ensure the safety, happiness, and security of your dog. To that end, we as the greater dog-owning community should be dedicated to providing a welcoming,  caring environment for all of our nation’s pups. It’s up to everyone to spay and neuter our dogs…and to also care for, rehabilitate, and adopt the shelter and rescue group dogs in our communities.