Common Reasons Not to Spay or Neuter

Spaying or neutering an animal, commonly referred to as "getting it fixed," is a surgical procedure that removes its reproductive organs. A female animal is spayed by removing its ovaries and uterus, while a male animal is neutered by taking out the testes. Many pet owners choose to sterilize their pet to protect from animal overpopulation. However, some owners decide not to have their pets "fixed" for common reasons.

  1. Breeding

    • Owners interested in breeding their dog or cat can't produce offspring if the animal is spayed or neutered. They might be professional dog breeders who specialize in selling purebred puppies or creating "designer" mixed breeds. Owners of award-winning dogs and family pets alike might want to carry on the animal's seed to create a new generation. Also, some families might want to breed their dog to show their children the reproductive cycle and birthing process.

    Cost

    • Sterilizing a pet requires surgery, which can be costly for the owner. Before surgery, both male and female animals need an exam and possible blood tests. Muscle-relaxers and anesthesia are a few of the drugs needed during the surgery. All of these medications, exams and veterinarian's time will most likely cost money and can add up to an expensive bill.

    Mutilation

    • Some owners see sterilizing their pets as mutilation as it takes away the natural reproductive organs. Owners might think neutering a dog takes away his manhood. Removing these parts will also change the animal's behavior and personality, some believe, including that male dogs will become boring and "sissies," while spayed female animals will get fat.

    Health Risks

    • Pet owners may shy away from sterilizing their animals because of the health risks associated with the surgery. Anytime an animal is put under anesthesia there are possible negative outcomes, including a bad reaction to the drug. Surgery openings may not heal properly or become infected. Also, according to The Dog Owner's Guide online magazine, dogs neutered before puberty might have differing physical characteristics from other dogs in its breed, including longer legs and narrower skulls. These differences might put more stress on joints and could cause problems for active dogs.

    Age

    • Another common reason people don't spay or neuter their dog is because the animal isn't old enough for the procedure. Typically a dog shouldn't be sterilized until it's six months old. Some professionals believe that the animal should go through one heat cycle before it has the procedure done.