So, you've got a healthy, happy bundle of furry love. What now? Maybe you've named it, gotten all its shots, toys and an impressive feeder bowl for those times when you aren't around for extended periods. But, after the first few weeks, have you considered the most important thing - your pet's future? Certainly, healthy food sans all the bad stuff that goes into commercial pet foods is part of the equation, but what about spaying and neutering? It's one of the most important, if not 'the' most important thing you can do for you pet - cat and dog alike.
Shelters throughout the country runneth over with animals who otherwise are as sweet, loving and deserving of a good home as your own pet. In many cases, this is because irresponsible owners allowed their animal to breed and couldn't cope with the resulting offspring. With travesties like that, there really is no reason not to spay or neuter your animal.
SPAYING
Arguments exist against it - these are often very personal, and do not take the animal's own well being into account. Some wish for a 'carbon copy' of the parents. Like humans, the offspring of your pet(s) very likely will not exhibit the same mannerisms and personality as their parents, even if they look similar. Others think that the procedure is too expensive, and thus not worth it. This just isn't so. Numerous inexpensive options for spay/neuter services can be had for a song. Very affordable clinics (charging 0 or less) can be found in many locations. In addition, many vet clinics offer discounts through voucher programs. With low-cost alternatives becoming more available all the time, cost shouldn't be a factor. Sometimes, owners in their desire for their children to find out about birth, think that their dogs or cats having babies is a great idea. The novelty of this so-called miracle wears off but quick, overshadowed by the staggering numbers of animals who are euthanized annually. You, your kids (and your pet) would be better served by teaching the children about the importance of life by the simple expedient of getting your pet fixed.
Still others mistakenly feel that getting their animal fixed will somehow alter their personality or, in the case of dogs, make them less protective. Animals have no sense of sexual identity, and do not suffer for its removal (emotionally or otherwise). Secondly, protective qualities are formed via genetics and the animal's environment - ergo, getting them fixed doesn't alter these traits. One of the strangest excuses is the one that claims sterilizing your pet makes them fat. No! Lack of exercise and overfeeding is what will cause that svelte, handsome critter to put on the pounds. And 'that' opens up even more health issues than not getting them fixed alone can do.
Unaltered animals can be more aggressive, less focused on their humans during mating season, and prone to causing problems around the house - from urinating all over the place, to displaying hitherto unseen behavior - driven by hormones. Getting animals of both sexes fixed will also tend to keep them from wandering needlessly. This has the added benefit of keeping them away from dangers such as traffic or fights with neighborhood animals. In addition, getting them fixed will negate risks of uterine/ovarian cancer in females, or testicular cancer in males.
So you see, there are many reasons to get your pet fixed and precious few to advocate not doing it at all. Consider the well being of your animal. Would you like them to live a happy, healthy, carefree existence? Would you like to minimize the risks for getting sick the older they become? Then take them to get spayed/neutered at the earliest possible time. Complications from the procedure are minimal at best and there's nothing but good to be gained - for you, your pet and the community.
The Importance of Spaying and Neutering
Healthcare coverage for your pet is more affordable than you think. Get a quote in just a few minutes! Visit our website for a Pet Insurance Comparison by visiting our website: http://www.1800PetInsurance.com
SPAYING
No comments:
Post a Comment