Myth's Laid to Rest Over the years, the safety of early altering has been questioned, mainly by vets who may be unfamiliar with the surgical and anesthetic techniques required for pediatric patients. As well, concerns that early altering could increase the incidence of feline lower urinary tract disease, could affect skeletal development, and affect behavior have been voiced. These concerns have largely been laid to rest by many studies, and early altering has become more widespread and available. A study recently published by researchers at the University of Florida found no significant differences in the physical and behavioral characteristics of pets altered at 7 weeks of age compared to those altered at 7 months of age.
Physical Myths
My pet will get fat and lazy:
Spaying or neutering your pets improves both their health and behavior. The only way your pet will get fat and lazy is overeating and lack of exercise. One
of the reasons people might think pets calm down and gain weight after spaying or neutering is that because as a female puppy nears physical maturity,
she becomes somewhat less physically active and requires fewer calories for energy. Physical maturity often follows shortly behind a spaying operation, therefore the spaying is often blamed.
Must be 6 months old to be spayed/ neutered:
Altering pets between 5 and 7 months of age was established by tradition rather than for any medical reason. Years ago, when safe pediatric anesthetic
techniques were not available, waiting until a patient was older increased the safety of surgery. But we no longer need to delay altering for this reason.
Males don't give birth so we don't need to neuter them.
While a female pet can only have one litter at a time, male animals can impregnate many females each day.
It's better for my pet to have one litter first.
Medical evidence shows the exact opposite. There are many additional health benefits if you spay or neuter your pet early, before they reach sexual maturity. Evidence shows females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier and live longer.
I need to wait until after my pet's first heat.
There are many additional health benefits if you spay or neuter your pet early, before they reach sexual maturity. Any heat brings with it the chance's dramatically of her getting cancers' and tumors.
My male pet won't look like a male anymore.
Neutering does not change a male's masculine appearance. He will still acquire his secondary sex characteristics, regardless of his age when the procedure is done. His confirmation and appearance are determined by his genetics' not sexuality .
Personality Myths
My pet's personality will change.
Pet's personalities are formed more by genetics and environment not by sex hormones. Any personality changes that may result from neutering are for the better.Pets become less aggressive, anxious and distracted; are less likely to wander, fight, howl, spray and mount; and focus their attention on you rather than finding a mate.
My dog won't be protective anymore.
Spaying or neutering does not affect a dog's natural instinct to protect its home and family. It won't cause changes in your dog's basic underlying instinct to be a good watchdog. Most pets will be more reliable and responsible after neutering and are often easier to train because of stabilized hormones. What makes a dog a good guard dog is training, not hormones.
Having a litter will make my pet more mature.
Becoming pregnant and having a litter of puppies in no way alters the maturity level of a pet, either physically or mentally. Motherhood will not have a calming effect on a nervous, excitable or hyperactive female. It is not a relaxing occupation. Genetics are what determine the dog's temperment.
| 
