In celebrating World Spay Day on February 25th, we are promoting responsible pet ownership and the health benefits of fixing your pets. We all can be part of the solution to end unnecessary euthanasia of unwanted pets! This special day focuses on the importance of spaying and neutering not only for our beloved pets but ensuring the same beneficial care for stray animals.
Why does spaying and neutering matter?
- Control Pet Overpopulation: Helps reduce the number of homeless animals in shelters and on the street.
- Improve Your Pet’s Health: Spayed/neutered pets are less likely to develop certain cancers, pyometra infections, and other serious health conditions leading to longer, healthier lives.
- Reduce Behavioral Issues: Neutering male pets can decrease aggression, marking, and roaming, while spaying females can prevent behaviors due to their heat cycles.
- Save Lives: Fewer animals in shelters means more resources to go around for those currently there and for the future incoming homeless animals.
- Cost-Effective: Spaying/neutering is a one-time cost that prevents numerous expensive health and behavioral problems over the course of your pet’s life.
- Spaying/neutering your pet will change their personality. FALSE!
- My pet will get fat and become lazy if he/she is fixed. FALSE!
- It’s unnecessary for indoor pets. FALSE!
A pet’s personality doesn’t change after being spayed/neutered. While unwanted hormone-driven behaviors such as aggression and marking may be reduced, your pet will still be your loving and playful companion.
The surgical procedure spaying/neutering itself doesn’t cause a pet to gain weight or suddenly become lazy. A lack of exercise and overfeeding are the primary culprits of weight gain. With a proper diet and regular activity, your pet can maintain a healthy weight after getting fixed.
Aside from all the health and behavioral benefits spaying/neutering offers dogs and cats, as previously mentioned, it is very necessary if there are multiple intact animals in the same household. Animals do not discriminate when it comes to mating within their own species! Not only can this lead to unwanted litters of puppies and kittens, but also hereditary health issues caused by inbreeding. Also, if a large dog mates with a small female, the female may end up needing an emergency c-section if she can’t deliver the puppies due to their size.
NOW, it is time to act!
Spread the word to your friends, family, and community. Mark your calendars and schedule your pet’s appointment today. Together, we can make a huge impact for pets everywhere!
If you’d like to schedule a dental procedure for your dog or cat, or simply want to start with a consultation, give us a call today!
Animal Works Veterinary Surgery
Fort Collins
970-694-2625