We have reached the time of the year where we are seeing litters upon litters of puppies and kittens. While we have reputable breeders that breed specifically to better a specific breed, we also see many of the homeless pet population breeding several litters each year which drastically increases the amount of stray’s we see in our area every year.
Dogs average 1 litter per year depending on their heat cycle while cats are spontaneous ovulators and can produce several litters per year. Unfortunately, the stray population has exploded over the last few years. This results in many animals being euthanized, hit by cars with no one stepping up for them financially or to provide a home while in recovery, and so many other horrific scenarios. The shelter are full with so many unwanted pet’s.
We can help aid in the pet population by spaying and neutering our pet’s to prevent unwanted litters. Spaying and neutering also has many health benefits as well.
The following are just some of the benefits of altering your pet:
- Spaying females prevents uterine infections, reduces the risk of mammary cancer, and prevents heat cycles which can results in behavioral issues.
- Neutering males prevents testicular cancer and prevents most prostate issues that often present in older unaltered males, it can prevent roaming for in heat females.
There are many myths associated with spaying and neutering and I am here to tell you that NO- your pet will not gain an excessive amount of weight (that’s diet related), NO-it will not be an instant fix for behavioral issues (especially in older dogs who are used to behaving certain ways).
Most dogs and cats can be spayed or neutered at 6 months of age, occasionally if the dog breed is large, we recommend closer to 18 months due to them growing.
Spay and neuter surgeries are quick and have a recovery time of 7-10 days if Veterinarian recommendations on aftercare are followed closely. All you need to do as an owner is provide a quiet space to heal, keep their exercise at a minimum during the 7-10 day period, keep an e-collar on them to prevent licking or chewing at the incision, and give the anti-inflammatory medications in a timely manner.
While there are occasionally things or circumstances we cannot control with our pets, spaying or neutering is not one of those things. We have the ability to prevent thousands of animals from being euthanized every year due to lack of homes.
If we all do our part, we can help as many animals as possible.
*For more information regarding spay and neuter procedures, please visit https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/elective-spaying-and-neutering-pets