Pet Time with Dr. “JB” Bramson
August 29, 2009
Why You Should Spay and Neuter Your Pet by Dr “JB” Bramson
An ounce of prevention (spay/neuter) is worth a pound of cure (protection from reproductive cancer).
Male dogs like men are susceptible to prostate and testicular cancer. These types of cancer are preventable by neutering. Female dogs and cats, like women are susceptible to mammary cancer. This is preventable by spaying at a young age (less than 1 year old)
Myths of Spay and Neuter
1) “Neutered pets get fat” - No. They require less food and more exercise to maintain a healthy weight.
2) “Neutered pets’ personalities change and they become wimps” - No. Neutering stops unwanted behavior such as marking, spraying, roaming and fighting. However, dogs still remain protector of the family and loyal.
3) “You should let a female have a litter before spaying” - No. More puppies and kittens can wind up abandoned or turned over to shelters. There is no health benefit to the mother.
4)”Children should see the miracle of birth” - No. Often females want to be secluded to deliver in private. They can require and emergency cesarean section in some cases. More puppies and kittens leads to more pet overpopulation with a lack of adequate homes available. Instead rent or google a movie on the subject if you wish.
Facts
1) The main reason for cat overpopulation is feral, free- roaming, un-owned cats. Source: Save Our Strays
2) Every day 10,000 babies are born and 70,000 puppies and kittens are born in the USA. There will never be enough homes for all of these animals. Source: Spay USA
3) Un-neutered males have a greater likelihood of getting prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
4) Neutering inhibits undesirable behavior such as urine marking, aggression (fighting), and roaming.
5) 55% of dogs and puppies in shelters are euthanized.
6) 71% of cats and kittens in shelters are euthanized.
7) 30% of shelter animals are pure breeds.
Only 14% of the public gets their pets from shelters.
9) In 6 years, and un-spayed female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 dogs! Source: Spay USA
10) In 9 years, an un-spayed female cat and her offspring averaging two litters per year and three surviving kittens per year can produce over 11 million cats! Source: Spay USA
Don’t be part of the problem, be part of the solution. Please, please spay and neuter all pets. Your dog or cat will thank you, and they’ll live longer, healthier, happier lives.
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