Side Effects of Spay/Neuter Surgery

WHS' Dr. Randal Zeman explains:

Sterilization of your dog or cat is a routine surgical procedure that must be performed by a veterinarian. The surgery in females is called a "spay" or ovariohysterectomy and involves removing the ovaries and uterus. The surgery in males is called a "neuter" or orchiectomy and involves removing the testicles.

Surgical risks for healthy animals are very low and animals usually recover completely within a couple of days.

There are many benefits to spaying or neutering your dog or cat. The most obvious is the prevention of unwanted litters and the reduction of cat and dog overpopulation. But, there are also numerous health benefits! Spaying your female dog or cat prevents mammary tumors, uterine and ovarian cancer. Neutering your male dog or cat prevents testicular tumors and prevents certain diseases of the prostate.

Spaying or neutering your companion animal also can reduce or eliminate certain behavioral problems. Spaying your female cat will prevent the vocalization and urine spraying associated with going into heat. Neutering also reduces the incidence of urine spraying in male cats. Neutered male dogs will be less likely to roam and less aggressive toward other male dogs.

Sterilization of your dog or cat does not cause a personality change. If you have an exuberant, active animal, this will not change with the surgery. With proper feeding and exercise, your companion animal will not become overweight.

Last year, the Wisconsin Humane Society spayed or neutered thousands of animals prior to adoption. While we are doing our part to end the tragedy of overpopulation, we need your help. Please have your dog or cat spayed or neutered and encourage everyone you know to do the same!

Apply for our SNAP, our spay/neuter assistance program, which provides subsidized spay/neuter services for animals from households with qualifying incomes in Milwaukee and Ozaukee Counties.