ANS 200: Companion Animals

"To Breed or Not to Breed"

I.     To breed or not to breed

        A.     Reason to keep pets intact

                1.     Only good reason is if your in the business of breeding animals.

                        a.     However, even well known breeders are fortunate to break even.

        B.     Castration of Pets

                1.     Neuter
                        a.     To remove testicles in males
                        b.     Orchidectomy

                2.     Spay
                        a.     To remove ovaries and uterus in females
                        b.     Ovariohysterectomy

        C.     Reasons you should spay or neuter your pet

                1.     Increases you pet’s chances for a longer, healthier life

                        a.     Female
                                i.     Mammary cancer
                                ii.     Uterine and ovarian cancer
                                iii.     Uterine infections
                        b.     Male
                                i.     Testicular tumors
                                ii.     Prostate disease
                                iii.     Wounds and disease from fighting

                2.     Better behaved pets

                        a.     Male
                                i.     Less aggressive
                                ii.     Won’t roam for females
                                iii.     Less marking of territory
                        b.     Female
                                i.     Won’t attract strays
                                ii.     Won’t roam for males

                3.     No unwanted pregnancies

                        a.     Babies take a lot of time
                        b.     What do I do with them???

                4.     Cleanliness

                        a.     Menstrating animals cause a big mess

                5.     Alleviation of overpopulation

                        a.     Millions of dogs and cats are euthanized annually

        D.     Other Excuses not to Neuter or Spay

                1.     My pet will become fat and lazy.
                        a.     Activity goes down
                        b.     More due to overeating and lack of exercise

                2.     We want another pet just like Rover or Fluffy
                        a.     Mixing genetics makes it very difficult

                3.     My pet’s personality will change
                        a.     Altered pets are less aggressive and more personable

                4.     My children should witness our pet giving birth
                        a.     Most pets want privacy during this time
                        b.     Some animals will injure or kill offspring if disturbed

                5.     I am concerned about my pet undergoing anesthesia
                        a.     Anesthesia is safe if done by a veterinarian
                        b.     Benefits outweigh risks.