Benefits to spaying your female pet

All female dogs experience what is known as a "heat" about every six months, depending upon the breed. A female dog's heat cycle can last for up to 21 days, during which time your dog will leave blood stains in the house and may become anxious, short-tempered and actively seek a mate.

Female cats can come into heat as often as every two weeks during breeding season until they become pregnant. During this time they may engage in behaviors such as frequent yowling and urination in unacceptable places.

Both female dogs and cats benefit from spaying, which eliminates their heat cycles and generally reduces the negative behaviors that may lead to owner frustration and, ultimately, a decision to relinquish the pet to a shelter. Most importantly, the early spaying of female dogs and cats helps protect them from serious health problems later in life such as uterine infections and breast cancer.