February is Spay/Neuter Month in Cook County!
To spay (or neuter) or not to spay that is the question! Here are the facts:
The average lifespan of a spayed/neutered dog or cat is demonstrably longer then the lifespan of those that are not. A University of Georgia study looked at the medical records of more than 70,000 patients, and found that the life expectancy of neutered male dogs was 13.8% longer, and that of spayed female dogs was 26.3% longer!
Intact female dogs and cats have a greater chance of developing a pyometra (a potentially fatal infection of the uterus), as well as uterine, mammary gland and other cancers of the reproductive system. Neutering male pets eliminates their risk of testicular cancer and eliminates the possibility of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia which can affect their ability to urinate and defecate
Not to mention the behavioral issues that may be prevented or alleviated by spaying/neutering:
-Roaming, especially when females are in heat
-Excessive barking and mounting
-In-heat behaviors such as yowling/vocalizing, rolling and demanding behaviors
-Urine marking/spraying
For both dogs and cats, the longer you wait the greater the risk of surgery not correcting the behavior because the pet has practiced the behavior for a longer period of time, reinforcing the habit.
Good news, for the month of February Cook County offers $40 off the cost of any spay or neuter for owners residing in Cook County with a valid Cook County rabies tag!
