No. Often, poor diet and too little exercise are to blame. However, other health problems may cause weight gain and lethargy. If you notice these changes in your pet, you should discuss them with your Veterinarian.

NO. Active dogs will remain active. Lazy dogs will remain lazy. Studies show little impact of surgery on activity level or weight gain. A proper diet and regular exercise will impact your pet's weight and health much more than sterilization surgery.

No. Spaying or neutering will not contribute to obesity at all. If you watch your pets diet and give them plenty of exercise you should not have a problem.

Spayed and neutered pets often remain playful and mischevious for many years. Providing ample toys, play space, and positive attention will help your spayed or neutered pet remain playful and active well into old age.

The activity level and diet of your pet determine it's weight. If unusual weight gain happens then thyroid testing may be in order, or outside sources of food not under your control, well meaning neighbors for instance, should be considered. Maybe they just need to start going for a long evening walk.

Sadly, as the result of uncontrolled mating and irresponsible breeding practices, thousands of helpless animals are born each year into desperate situations. We believe in the responsible breeding of pedigree animals for the exclusive purpose of preserving and protecting established breeds, and feel that the breeding of animals is best left in the hands of ethical breeders who are working with a goal towards improving the breed, and out of the hands of all others.

Both operations lead to improved long-term health, prevent unwanted litters, and eliminate many behavior problems associated with the mating instinct. Female dogs experience a "heat" cycle approximately every six months, depending upon the breed. A female dog's heat cycle can last as long as 21 days, during which your dog will leave blood stains in the house and may become anxious, short-tempered and actively seek a mate.

All responsible breeders require their pets to be spayed or neutered. We feel no one should breed Beardies unless they are serious students of the breed, willing to do genetic testing, and to stand behind their guarantees. They should be willing to prove the quality of the dog in the show ring under expert evaluation because only the very best should be bred. Research has shown that an altered animal is also healthier, eliminating reproductive infections and tumors, particularly in old age.

Estrogens have a natural appetite suppressing effect and the loss of estrogens may lead to an increased appetite. It is important to realize that estrogens only circulate in a female cat during her mating season. Behaviorally, she should not be any different (or hungrier) than her Winter self.

I'm not aware of any evidence that spaying or neutering would put a PKD positive cat at any more risk than any other cat, unless the cat was already in kidney failure. However, since certain anesthesia agents can be nephrotoxic, in my opinion it would be best not to use these agents in any cat with known kidney problems, including PKD. quot;I cannot see how spaying would have any effect, positive or negative, on the progression of PKD.

We are committed to ending pet overpopulation and consider spaying and neutering the number one solution to this tragic problem. Many of our pets are already spayed or neutered before coming to SOHS. Those who are not, are spayed/neutered while they are at the shelter. Barring an illness that would prevent such operation prior to adoption, 100 percent of the animals adopted are surgically altered.

Spaying your female cat or dog will eliminate the risk of uterine infections, and will decrease the risk of mammary cancer later in their life. Likewise, neutering your male cat or dog will eliminate the chances of testicular cancer, and may help control some behavioral issues such as roaming, aggressive behavior, and in cats, spraying.

There is no limit. However, the ideal age for spaying or neutering is between 6 months to one year of age. You do not have to wait for your female's first heat.

On the day that new owners come to pick up their squirming bundle of joy, we require them to sign an agreement stating that they will spay or neuter the pup at the age recommended by their veterinarian.

GHS believes that the most effective way to reduce the population of unwanted pets is to have an active spay and neuter program. Over the past three years GHS has provided over $42,000.00 to the public in spay and neuter assistance. This is money that GHS has raised.