EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SPAY & NEUTER
All dogs and cats that are adopted from Evolución must be spayed or neutered before leaving the facility. Most of the animals at the facility have already been spayed or neutered with the exception of new arrivals, puppies/kittens too young to fix, and those currently recuperating from illness or injury.
The primary purpose of spay/neuter programs is to reduce the overpopulation of dogs and cats through the prevention of unwanted births. But there are many other positives to having your pet spayed or neutered including the prevention of uterine cancer in females and testicular cancer in males. Please contact Evolución to inquire about vouchers for low cost spay/neuters.
The following are some common questions regarding spay/neuter:
-Why should I spay/neuter my pet?
The overpopulation problem of cats and dogs is not distinct to the Yucatan. Worldwide this problem exists. Every year, thousands of dogs and cats are put down in shelters and government facilities simply because they are unwanted. The problem is rampant in both mixed breeds and purebreds. The ones who are put down humanely are more lucky than the millions who die on the streets due to malnutrition, injury or disease.
Spayed and neutered dogs are less likely to roam the streets in search of a mate, therefore reducing the chance of a lost or injured pet. As a civilized society, we have the responsibility to do our best to insure that unwanted births do not occur.
-My pet is kept inside and not allowed outside.
If your dog or cat even once has access outside the home, the potential exists for unwanted births to occur. Additionally, if your pet ever has new owners in the future due to unforeseen circumstances, you can protect your pet from future parenthood by having them fixed now.
-I do not want my dog to become fat.
A dog’s metabolism is regulated by food, exercise, general health and heredity. Your dog or cat needs and requires a quality diet and regular exercise to maintain a healthy body weight. Adjustments may need to be made with your pets diet after he or she is fixed to maintain a healthy weight. Consult your veterinarian.
-My dog is a male – I want him to be a masculine dog
It does not take away from a dog’s masculinity to have him neutered. It does not change his personality. It is not factual to put human emotions on a dog. A dog does not feel the same way about his sexual organs that humans do. It is more responsible to have your male dog neutered and avoid unwanted puppies, than having an unrealistic concern that your animal will be less masculine once he is neutered.
-Are there any health benefits if I spay/neuter my animal?
Spayed female dogs will not develop uterine cancers or infections and are less likely to develop breast tumors. Spaying also prevents a female from going into heat, thereby preventing odor and blood staining problems. Neutered dogs will not develop testicular cancer and may prevent infections in the prostate glands, urinary infections, kidney disease and other problems.
-Shouldn’t my dog or cat have one litter before they are fixed?
There is no health benefit whatsoever for your dog or cat by allowing it to have one litter. In fact, complications in pregnancies and births can have negative health effects to your pet. Dogs and cats do not look upon motherhood in the same way that humans do. While they do have instinct to care for and protect their young, they do not have desires to have offspring simply for the joy of having a family.
-What age is the best age to spay/neuter my pet?
Puppies and kittens can be spayed or neutered as young as 6 weeks. It is best to have your female spayed before her first heat (typically 6 months). Spaying a male under 6 months can prevent annoying habits from developing such as humping, wandering and aggressive or anxious behavior.
-Will spaying/neutering change my dog or cats personality?
The dog’s personality does not change when your dog is spayed or neutered. Young dogs and cats typically do not experience behavioral changes, however older animals may become less aggressive, less anxious and show less desire to roam in search of a sexual partner.
-How is the spay/neutering done?
Females are spayed in a surgical process that involves the removal of the ovaries and uterus. Males are neutered by removal of the testicles although the scrotal sac remains in tact. Recovery time is very quick with most animals up and around within a day of the operation.
-Is the operation dangerous?
Spay and neuter operations are considered to be very simple, routine procedures. Healthy dogs and cats are at minimal risk. It is always best to have your veterinarian examine your animal before surgery to determine if any health conditions exist that would put your animal at risk. There is minimal risk for any healthy animal (or human) under anesthesia.
-Is my dog or cat too old for spay or neuter?
Many older dogs and cats can be spayed or neutered. Age alone is not a determining factor. Have your doctor examine your pet to determine whether your pet has any health problems that would negate surgery.
-I want my dog or cat to experience the joy of birth
Dogs and cats do not feel the desire to “have a family” in the way that humans can. For these animals, it is an instinct to reproduce. On average dogs will have 1.5 litters and cats will have 2.3 litters annually. Females who are unspayed and left free to roam can have their bodies worn out with death occurring at a young age. It is not the “joy of birth” they end up experiencing, but a body that has been overused in reproduction.
PERMANENT LOW COST SPAY & NEUTER PROGRAM
Evolución A.C., along with local veterinarians have put together a PERMANENT LOW COST SPAY & NEUTER PROGRAM.
Even for a simple operation, spay and neutering are still away from many people’s budgets. Aware of this, and adding to our year round free spay & neuter local campaigns, we have put together this Low Cost Program that allows a dog or cat to get either spayed or neutered with a 50% discount.
Benefits from the PERMANENT LOW COST SPAY & NEUTER PROGRAM:
-50% discount from regular surgery cost
-Surgery performed by experienced top notch veterinarians
-Convenient veterinary locations all around the city of Mérida
To benefit from this program you can either visit us or
send an email to info@evolucionanimal.org