Is it animal cruelty to have dog spayed or neutered?

Do you think that it is animal cruelty to get your dog fixed at the vet? Doesn’t it hurt the poor puppy to have the surgery? I just asked this question at a pet forum too (see http://www.bestforpet.com/dog-health/1336-cruel-spay-neuter-dog.html) but one person says that it may be cruel but we have no choice. Can’t we just not let the dog breed and avoid any surgery? It has to hurt them a lot. I think it does.

Thanks!!

Glenn from New Orleans, Louisiana
:O)

It’s wonderful that you’re so empathetic to how your dog’s feeling – the world would be a much better place is everybody respected animals like you! That being said, I don’t think that you should consider spaying or neutering a pet to be cruel. A vet loves animals just as much as we do – that’s why they’ve devoted their life to caring for them. The surgery itself will be done with your dog heavily sedated so he won’t feel a thing. There will be some discomfort as he recuperates but that will be manageable and if you see signs that he’s in significant pain, the vet can help with that as well.

And, in fact, spaying and neutering help to prevent cruelty to animals by preventing the creation of pets that may be unwanted, become strays, abused or euthanized.

So, please, try not to beat yourself up about your decision.
Here’s a link to a powerful poem on dog neglect and abuse – something that can often be prevented by spaying or neutering your pet.

http://www.agirlandherdogs.com/category/the-neverending-fight-against-cruelty/

I hope your dog has a speedy recovery!