The number of homeless pets (dogs and cats) that we are seeing in animal shelters and on the streets is heart-breaking. Much of their suffering could have been prevented if we had all focused on the spay and neuter to humanely reduce their population. It will take all of us – a village – to do our part to change this!
SPAY AND NEUTER PLEASE!
Choosing to spay or neuter your pet may be one of the most important decisions you make regarding your pet’s long-term health.
By spaying or neutering your pet, you can help control the pet shelter intake. There are also medical and behavioral benefits for spaying and neutering your animals.
Approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. Of those, approximately 3.1 million are dogs and 3.2 million are cats. Approximately 920,000 US shelter animals are euthanized annually as well (390,000 dogs and 530,000 cats). (ASPCA)
A fertile dog can produce an average of two litters in one year. The average number of puppies is six to ten. That is up to 60,000 puppies being born from an unspayed female dog and her offspring in seven years.
A cat can produce an average of three litters in one year, with the average number of kittens four to six. This is up to 300,000 kittens born from one unspayed female cat and her offspring in seven years.
Health Benefits
Your female pets would live a longer, healthier life if they were spayed. In addition, spaying helps with preventing uterine infections and breast tumors.
Neutering your male pets prevents testicular cancer and some prostate problems.
Behavioral Benefits
Your spayed female pet will not go into heat. However, when female cats are in heat, they walk around the house yowling and sometimes even urinating all over your home. I know I’m not interested in dealing with this.
Your male pet will be less likely to roam away from your home. An intact male will do just about anything to find a mate.
Neutered male pets usually behave better. For example, they are less likely to mark their territory in your house. In addition, some aggression problems may be avoided by early neutering.
Weight gain after spay/neuter can occur in dogs and cats because of decreased metabolism and maturation. Therefore, it is essential to keep an eye on your pet’s weight after surgery.
Takeaway
Besides preventing certain health, behavioral problems and improving your pets’ longevity, you are helping control overpopulation and homeless pets. Every time a pet is spayed or neutered, the overpopulation number gets a little bit smaller. We need to all do our part in preventing homelessness of animals.
Written by Ashley Copy Writing. If you are in need of writing assistance, they can be contacted at ashleycopywriting@gmail.com! It Takes a Village!!!