MYTHS & FACTS ABOUT NEUTERING

MYTH : I want my dog to be protective.

FACT : Spaying / neutering does not affect a dog's natural instinct to protect home & family. A dog's personality is formed more by genetics & environment than by sex hormones.

MYTH : It's better to have 1 litter first.

FACT : Medical evidence indicates just the opposite. In fact, the evidence shows that females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier. Many veterinarians now sterilize dogs & cats as young as 8 weeks of age. Check with your veterinarian about the appropriate time for these procedures.

MYTH : My children should experience the miracle of birth.

FACT : Even if children are able to see a pet give birth - which is unlikely, since it usually occurs at night 7 in seclusion - the lesson they will really learn is that animals can be created and discarded as it suits adults. Instead, it should be explained to children that the real miracle is life & that preventing the birth if some pets can save the lives of others.

MYTH : I don't want my male dog / cat to feel like less of a male.

FACT : Pet's don't have any concept of sexual identity / ego. Neutering will not change a pet's basic personality. He doesn't suffer any kind of emotional reaction / identify crisis when neutered.

MYTH : My pet will get fat & lazy.

FACT : The truth is that most pets get fat & lazy because their owners feed them too much & don't give them enough exercise.

MYTH : I'll find good homes for all the puppies & kittens.

FACT : You may find homes for all of your pet's litter. But each home you find means 1 less home for the dogs & cats in shelters who need good homes. Also, in less than 1 year's time, each of your pet's offspring may have his / her own litter, adding even more animals to the population . The problem of pet overpopulation is created & perpetuated 1 litter at a time.

MYTH : But my dog (or cat)is so special, I want a puppy (or kitten)just like her.

FACT : A dog / cat may be great pet, but that doesn't mean her offspring will be a carbon copy. Professional animal breeders who follow generations of bloodlines can't guarantee they will get just what they want out of a particular litter. A pet owner's chances are even slimmer. In fact, an entire litter of puppies / kittens might receive all of a pet's (and her mate's) worst characteristics.

SOURCES : HUMANE SOCIETY OF UNITED STATES