7 Reasons to get your pet spayed or neutered

If you have a pet cat or dog, or you are thinking of adopting, one of the most important decisions you need to make for their health, safety and happiness, and for your local community, is to get your pet spayed or neutered.


Spay Neuter infographicSo, what does it involve?

Neutering is the removal of the testicles (castration) of your male pet and spaying is the removal of the ovaries and uterus of the female. It is a minimally invasive veterinary procedure that offers lifelong health benefits. As well as performing the operation using keyhole surgery for the females (the male castration is minimal incision anyway) whilst under the general anaesthetic, the animals are given an injection of antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and pain relief so the owners will not have to administer any medication after the surgery.

Here are 7 reasons to get it done:

1. Spaying and neutering your pet is good for the community and helps to prevent overpopulation
Every year in Spain, thousands of cats and dogs of all ages and breeds are euthanised or suffer unnecessarily on the street as strays. This high level of unplanned litters could be avoided by owners taking responsibility for their pets and getting them spayed or neutered.

2. Your pets can live longer, healthier lives
Spaying your female pets can help prevent uterine infections, uterine cancer and mammary tumours, diseases which are fatal for around 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats. Ideally you should spay your pet before her first heat, but don’t be deterred if this is not possible. Better late then never!

Neutering males prevents testicular cancer, if done before six months of age.

3. Spayed females don’t go into heat
Although cycles vary, during breeding season, female cats usually go into heat for 4/5 days every three weeks. During this time you will notice that they will yowl and urinate more frequently, indoors and outdoors, to attract a mate. Spayed dogs are less likely to have hormone related behavioural problems.

4. Your male pets are less likely to roam far from home
A male dog, or cat, that has not been neutered will go to great lengths to find a female in heat and an escaped dog poses a risk to himself and other males in the area.

5. Your neutered male will be better behaved
Neutered cats and dogs focus their attention on their human families. On the other hand, un-neutered dogs and cats may mark their territory by spraying strong-smelling urine throughout the house. Many aggression problems can be avoided by early neutering. And don’t worry, your dog will still be protective of his home and family.

6. Spaying or neutering will NOT make your pet fat.
This is not a good reason to decide against spaying and neutering. Lack of exercise and overfeeding will lead to weight gain and health issues and it is the job of a responsible pet owner to continue to provide exercise and ensure a regular diet.

7. It is cost-effective.
The cost of your pet’s spay/neuter surgery is a lot less than the cost of having and caring for a litter. And in the long run is cheaper than vet’s bills for treatments of avoidable diseases mentioned above and treating your male pets if they manage to escape and get into fights with other animals.

There is a monthly low-cost spay and neuter programme in Granada for cats and dogs. For more details about the next Spay & Neuter Day contact Sue Halfyard using the form below.

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Find a pet

Here are some of the other cat and dogs currently waiting to find their forever homes. Could that be with you?

Click on your favourite below or find more here

Leo, abandoned dog for adoption

Leo – friendly male dog seeks a home

Leo was abandoned outside Linda’s house and has settled in very well at the shelter with the other dogs. Let’s find this super boy a home!

Bron, young male dog for adoption in Spain

Bron – playful male dog needs a home

Bron is an extremely affectionate and energetic boy who loves to play. He’s good with other dogs and ideally needs to be in a home with another dog. Let’s find this lovely boy a home.

Woody – male dog seeks loving home

Sadly, Woody is looking for a family to love him. He is an active boy who loves going on walks and playing. He loves people, no problem with children or other dogs. No cats.

Jeeves, sociable young male dog seeks home

Jeeves: sociable male dog seeks home

Born in February 2023, Jeeves is a really friendly boy. He has tested negative to all 5 mediterranean diseases. Let’s find him a home…

Mora female dog

Mora – Friendly young female dog seeks home

Meet Mora. A big, friendly girl, she loves affection and socialises well with other dogs. Mora is negative to all 5 mediterranean diseases.

Buddy – male Podenco Cross for adoption

Buddy is a Podenco cross and a very lively boy. He loves playing with his siblings. Let’s find this boy a home!

Cassidy, young male dog seeks home

Cassidy – young male dog needs a home

Cassidy is a male Retriever Mastín cross. He is fairly big but has a gentle and timid nature. Mixes well with other dogs, not dominant. Let’s find this gentle boy a home.

Toby – young male dog needs a home

Toby is new to the shelter, he came in with Daisy. He is a happy and friendly boy. Mixes and plays with the other dogs. Let’s find this great boy a home!

Boomer, young male dog for adoption

Boomer – sweet young male looking for a home

Boomer is a sweet boy. A little nervous but gaining confidence quickly. Mixes well with other dogs. Let’s find him a home!

Rusty male Patterdale Terrier

Rusty – friendly Patterdale Terrier seeks a forever home

Rusty, male Patterdale Terrier mix, was abandoned near the shelter. He’s excellent with people and needs and experienced owner. Good luck, Rusty!

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Adopt

Meet the Valle Verde Cats & Dogs looking for homes

Bron – playful male dog needs a home

Bron – playful male dog needs a home

Bron is an extremely affectionate and energetic boy who loves to play. He’s good with other dogs and ideally needs to be in a home with another dog. Let’s find this lovely boy a home.

Woody – male dog seeks loving home

Woody – male dog seeks loving home

Sadly, Woody is looking for a family to love him. He is an active boy who loves going on walks and playing. He loves people, no problem with children or other dogs. No cats.

Find out about other ways that you can help

We understand that not everybody can offer a home to our rescue animals, but there are many other ways that you can support the work we do. Find out more…

Donate

All your donations, big or small, help us continue our work rescuing and re-homing animals in need.

Fundraise

If you would like to fundraise for Valle Verde Animal Rescue, we’d be delighted to hear from you.

Volunteer

There are lots of other ways that you can support the animals. Find out more about volunteering.

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