Spaying a female pet is a surgical procedure that makes it impossible for the animal to reproduce. Animals adopted from shelters are usually required to be spayed to help reduce the number of homeless animals.
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Function
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Spaying eliminates an animal's ability to produce offspring, so pet owners no longer have to worry about caring for and finding homes for unwanted puppies or kittens.
Significance
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The Humane Society of the United States recommends spaying and neutering pets to reduce pet overpopulation.
Types
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An ovariohysterectomy is the removal of the ovaries and uterus and is the most common and recommended type of spaying. A tubal ligation is less common and involves cutting and tying off the oviducts to prevent sperm from meeting an egg.
Benefits
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A spayed pet has a reduced risk of breast cancer, uterine cancer and uterine infections. Spaying also eliminates behavioral changes associated with an animal's heat cycle, such as excessive meowing in cats.
Considerations
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According to Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital, spaying a pet before six months of age and prior to the first heat cycle will reduce the risk of breast cancer to 0.5 percent.
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