Texas Department of State Health Services, Infectious Disease Control Unit

Tour: Spay Neuter Myths and Facts

Animal 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

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 animals 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.

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.