Texas Department of State Health Services Home


   

Find Services | News & Information | Rules & Regulations | Business Information 
 (Buscar)
Topics A-Z   Contact IDCU

Tour

Zoonosis Control Branch

Animal TopicsAnimal Topics
(Animals, Animal Control, Animal Shelters, Animals in Disaster, Animals in Public Places, Animal Friendly Program, Animal Ownership, Animal Bites)

Spay/Neuter Myths and Facts

cat with kittens
Myth: Female dogs and cats should have at least one litter before having them spayed.

Fact: The best time to spay your female dog or cat is before her first heat. Early spaying greatly reduces the possibility of developing uterine, ovarian, or mammary cancer.
Myth: An animal’s behavior changes drastically after surgery.

Fact: The only changes in behavior you will see are positive ones. Male cats tend to reduce their territorial spraying, depending upon the age they are neutered. Male cats and dogs fight less, wander less, and greatly reduce their chances of being hit by a car or getting lost.
dog with puppies
Myth: Animals become fat and lazy after being spayed or neutered.

Fact: Overweight animals are usually overfed and do not get enough exercise. If your pet is fat, reduce his calories and increase his walks and play time.
 
 
Back Next Map

Last Updated: Saturday, October 01, 2005

Texas Department of State Health Services - Infectious Disease Control Unit
1100 West 49th Street, Suite T801, Mail Code: 1960 PO BOX 149347 - Austin, TX 78714-9347
(512) 458-7676 - Fax: (512) 458-7616 -

Topics A-Z / Site Map

Contact Us | Compact with Texans | Homeland Security | Internet Policy | Site Map | Statewide Search | Texas Online