Spay/Neutering
My-Dog.info > Getting a Dog or Puppy
by Spc. Sheila Hamlett Veterinary Services, Fort Knox, Ky.
Have your pet spayed or neutered. Bob Barker has been saying
that on "The Price Is Right" game show for years.
Unfortunately, not enough people are listening.
In animal shelters throughout North America, approximately 11
to 20 million unwanted dogs and cats are put to death
(euthanized) annually.
Although these figures seem staggering, consider the following
equation: two cats producing eight kittens per year could
actually build a "family tree" consisting of more than
174,760 cats within seven years. Female and male cats are capable
of reproducing by the time they are six months of age. Each adult
female cat is easily capable of having at least two litters per
year, and male cats can continue to breed throughout the year,
producing unlimited numbers of litters.
A female dog generally goes through an estrus, or
"heat" cycle, every six months. This is accompanied by
a proestrus or "bleeding" cycle prior to her true heat
cycle in which she is very receptive to reproductive advances of
a male dog. This heat cycle may last for several days or up to
three or four weeks. Often female dogs will experience some
personality changes during heat cycles, such as becoming
short-tempered or anxious.
Female cats come into heat cycles every three to four weeks
during certain times of the year. Many female cats will become
nervous during these heat cycles and exhibit unusual behavior,
such as rolling on the floor, hiding or wanting constant
attention. Female cats often become quite vocal, meowing loudly
through their cycle.
Surgical neutering of female dogs and cats, called spaying,
completely eliminates all heat cycles and the accompanying
unwanted bleeding cycle, nervousness and desire to mate.
Neutering your female dog or cat will also protect your pet from
uterine infections and other diseases, as well as difficult,
dangerous or unwanted pregnancies.
Studies show that by neutering your female dog before her
first heat cycle, you can greatly reduce her chances of
developing mammary cancer later in life.
Most male dogs and cats are ready and willing to reproduce by
the time they are 6 to 12 months old. They are able to breed
consistently throughout the year, whenever they are exposed to a
receptive female. Male dogs and cats are prone to wander in
search of romance and find themselves exposed to fighting with
other animals (often an excellent way to pick up diseases or
injuries). Additionally, male cats are known to "mark"
their territories by spraying odorous urine on furniture, walls,
shrubs, etc. Male dogs are sometimes equally anxious to mark
territories.
Surgical neutering of male dogs and cats, also called
castration, eliminates any reproductive behavior and reduces
urine odor and the desire to spray. Your male dog or cat will
continue to have its own unique personality. It will be less
likely to roam and enjoy staying at home more.
Generally, most veterinarians recommend that a female pet be
spayed before her first estrus or heat period (around six months
of age). Male dogs and cats can often be neutered from six months
to 1 year of age. Contact your veterinarian to discuss
spaying/neutering your pet.
By spaying or neutering, not only do you improve your pet's
health, you also decrease the stray population.
|
 |
|
|
Save big on quality brand name pet meds and other pet supplies!
Pet Shed is the premier source for discount pet supplies on the Internet. Heartgard heartworm, Frontline Plus flea control, Advantage flea control, Revolution flea & heartworm, and many other pet medications.
|
