What is neutering a pet?
The national animal sterilization day in
Quebec is intended to reduce the number
of unwanted animals that must be put
to sleep. All Quebecers are invited to
neuter their cats and dogs. This special
day values Quebec’s organizations and
individuals who encourage Quebecers
to reduce the unnecessary birth of puppies
and kittens. It also features the actions
taken to promote the neutering of stray
animals or animals living in shelters.
This day (the last Tuesday of February),
which is celebrated in many countries,
also aims to make government representatives and local counsellors aware
of the importance of passing laws
and regulations on animal neutering
in Quebec. By reducing the number
of cats and dogs that can reproduce,
we minimize in part the unacceptable
number of abandoned animals in Quebec.
When a female is neutered, the uterus
and the ovaries are removed in a surgical
procedure called ovariohysterectomy.
When a male is neutered, each testicles
is removed in a procedure commonly
referred to as castration.
At what age should I have
my pet neutered?
Neutering can be done at any age. Ideally
it should be performed within the first six
months of the pet’s life.
If you have concerns about neutering
your pet or if you have questions
about the anesthesia or the risks
related to that procedure,
consult your veterinarian.
This flyer was created by the Association
des médecins vétérinaires du Québec (AMVQ)
representing veterinarians in small animal practice.
NEUTERING
In Quebec, every year, tens
of thousands of cats and dogs
are born without a home
and must be put to sleep.
Neutering is part
of the solution!
Why do veterinarians
suggest neutering?
Neutering an animal can help reduce
many unwanted behaviors, such as:
Reduced health problems
Territory marking
Studies showed that a fertile female dog runs an
increased risk of mammary tumors (breast cancer)
and uterine infections as it grows older. By spaying
a female dog before its first heat, these health problems
can be avoided. As for the non-neutered male dog,
it can have testicular tumors or prostatic hyperplasia.
Since your animal is no longer sexually active,
it will not feel the need to defend its territory.
Also, the urine odor of a male cat that is not
neutered is often unbearable compared
with that of a neutered male.
Signs of heat and spotting in females
Aggressiveness and fighting risks
Spayed female cats and dogs stop having heat cycles
thus eliminating spotting or the obnoxious mewing
that awakes the whole neighbourhood. For the fertile
female dog, bleeding lasts two to three weeks, twice
a year on average. As for the female cat, it is in heat
about ten days every two or three weeks until it
mates. Each heat cycle can last up to two months.
Since your animal does not feel the need
to defend its territory, it is possible that
the number and the intensity
of fights subside.
Neutering
By neutering your pet you help reduce
the number of unwanted animals or animals
living in overpopulated animal shelters.
It is not uncommon for a female cat to give
birth to six or seven kittens while a dog litter
can amount to four to twelve puppies.
Wanderings
Since sexual drive is suppressed, the search for
a mate will no longer be a priority for your pet.
Consequently, there will be less wandering, accident
risk and risk of developing a contagious disease
or contracting a sexually transmitted infection.
Cost of neutering an animal
The cost of neutering an animal represents
about 2% of what you can expect to pay
in order to feed, educate, groom or care
for your animal during its life. It would be
more expensive to take good care of only
one litter of puppies or kittens.
The miracle of life
Contrary to what we hear,
neutering does not affect
the pet’s mind.
Obesity is not necessarily linked
to neutering. A neutered animal who has
a proper nutrition and who stays active
will stay slim and will be happy.
Your animal does not have to whelp to teach
your kids the miracle of life! The best lesson
is to give them a sense of responsibility
by explaining them that neutering helps
to reduce the number of animals that are
abandoned or put to sleep.