Have you thought about having your cat or dog spayed or neutered but didn’t think you could afford it? Blue Mountain Humane offers financial assistance for those who can’t afford to pay the total cost of having their pet spayed or neutered.
Not sure you want to have your pet spayed or neutered? There are lots of reasons to spay or neuter your pet. Here are some of the top reasons for getting it done:
- Reduces the risk of cancer-Female dogs and cats who are not spayed have a higher risk of mammary , ovarian or uterine cancer. Males who are not neutered have a higher risk of testicular cancer.
- Prevents urinary tract infections-Spaying or neutering lowers the risk of these infections. This is particularly important in cats because urinary tract infections can be fatal.
- Promotes better behavior-Males are less likely to roam looking for a female (did you know a male dog can smell a female in heat up to a mile away?) which lowers the chance they will get hit by a car or picked up by animal control. In male dogs it also lessens the urge to bark, howl and mark their territory with urine. In male cats it lowers the urge to spray urine to mark their territory. Female cats that are spayed will also howl less which is what they do to attract a male when they are in heat.
- Helps control pet overpopulation-Every year millions of dogs and cats end up in animal shelters. Sadly, there are not enough homes for them all and many are euthanized. By having your pet spayed or neutered you can be part of the solution because your animal won’t have or cause any unwanted puppies or kittens that can end up in a shelter.
There are also many myths associated with spaying and neutering:
- Myth-My dog/cat will gain weight if it is spayed or neutered.
Fact-Weight gain is not a result of spaying or neutering. It is a result of lack of exercise and/or poor diet.
- Myth-It is best for a female to have one litter before being spayed.
Fact-medical evidence shows that a female dog or cat is actually healthier if they are spayed before their first heat cycle. Also, even one litter can increase the risk of cancer in an animal.
- Myth-my male dog or cat will feel like less of a male if I have him neutered.
Fact-Male dogs or cats don’t have any concept of sexual identity or ego. Their personality will stay the same. Neutering doesn’t cause any kind of emotional reaction. Dogs and cats don’t respond to things the same way humans do.
- Myth-I want my children to experience the miracle of birth.
Fact-Many pets try to give birth in an isolated place or at night. It would be better to teach your children to respect all life and explain to them the cause
and consequences of pet over population.
