Longer life
Neutered male dogs live 18% longer than un-neutered males, and spayed female dogs live 23% longer than unspayed females. Part of that is the reduced urge to roam, which exposes pets to fights, traffic and other mishaps.
Spay and neuter.
Curb pet overpopulation and give your dog a healthier, longer life.
Why it matters
Possibly the single best decision you will make for your dog.
The decision to spay or neuter your pet is an important one. It can be the single best decision you make for their long term welfare.
Lower cancer risk
Unspayed females have a far greater chance of developing pyometra, a fatal uterine infection, as well as uterine cancer and other cancers of the reproductive system. Neutered males eliminate their chance of testicular cancer and are thought to have lower rates of prostate cancer.
Calmer behaviour
Spaying or neutering reduces urine marking, roaming, aggression, excessive barking, mounting and other dominance related behaviours. It will not change your dog's fundamental personality or protective instinct.
Real cost savings
Caring for a pet with reproductive system cancer or pyometra can easily run into the thousands, five to ten times the cost of a routine spay surgery. Unaltered pets can also be more destructive and more likely to fight, which brings its own vet bills.
Fewer homeless pets
Spaying and neutering reduces the number of homeless pets that end up destroyed on this island.
Timing
When should it be done?
Medical evidence indicates that females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier. At Purrfect Pets we like to spay females before their first heat, which occurs between 6 and 9 months old, and we regularly schedule spay and neuter appointments shortly after a puppy's series of vaccinations is complete. If your pet is older, an examination to determine their health status should be performed first and we will advise you on the right time. The longer you wait, the greater the risk that surgery will not resolve an ingrained behaviour.
Marking and roaming
Un-neutered dogs are more assertive and far more prone to urine marking than neutered dogs. Spaying or neutering should reduce marking and may stop it altogether. It also reduces roaming, which is what puts dogs in front of cars and in fights with other animals.
At Purrfect Pets we strongly encourage spaying and neutering at an early age to reduce or even eliminate unwanted behaviours and illness.
Call to schedule surgery.
We will book an examination first, confirm your dog's health status and advise you on timing.