Goldie on the Importance of Spaying and Neutering

Hey folks! I want to tell you a little bit about pet overpopulation, and why it is so important to have your pet spayed or neutered.

The Humane Society of the United States estimates that 6 - 8 million dogs enter our nations shelters each year. Less than one-third of these are reclaimed by their owners. Do you know what happens to most of the dogs that can't be adopted out to new families?

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That's right. They are euthanized - that means their innocent lives are ended.

It is estimated that close to half of the dogs that enter shelters in this country are euthanized. Half! Can you believe that? I'd be terrified if I ended up in one of these shelters, knowing that my chances of making it out alive were only 50/50. Luckily, the shelter that I ended up in was a no-kill shelter.

What, you ask, do all those statistics have to do with spaying and neutering? Everything. It is possible for a female dog to have two litters a year. A canine litter produces an average of 6 - 10 puppies.

Think about this: If your dog has 10 puppies, then after they become adults (let's say at 2 years), they each produce 2 litters of 10 puppies in the next 3 years. Those puppies each produce 2 litters of 10 puppies after age 2. In five years, your one dog has contributed to THOUSANDS of puppies! Where will you ever find homes for all those adorable puppies? Chances are, you won't.

Not only does spaying and neutering help reduce the pet population, but it also has benefits for your pet. It helps your pet live a longer, healthier life. It reduces the risks of several cancers in both male and female pets.

Neutering your male dog early will help reduce unwanted behaviors like roaming (in search of females in heat), marking territory, and getting into fights over females.

Spaying your female dog eliminates her heat cycle, which in turn eliminates some messy clean-ups. Females in heat can exhibit nervous behavior, roam, and attract unwanted males. Males will even climb a fence (or dig under it) to get to a female in heat.

Many people think that their pet will become fat and lazy, or have a personality change. Overfeeding and lack of exercise, not spaying or neutering, will make your pet fat, and if there is a personality change it will only be slight, such as your pet being slightly calmer. I can tell you that I am the same sweet girl I was before, and I am less nervous and better behaved.

All of the pets that live in my house have been spayed or neutered. None of us has suffered any ill effects. We are all happier and healthier because of it.

If you can't afford to have your pet spayed or neutered, check with local animal welfare organizations, such as your local Humane Society, or SPCA. Many organizations sponsor low-cost spay/neuter programs.

Goldie on the Importance of Spaying and Neutering

If you want more information on spaying and neutering and other dog related topics, visit The Pooch Place.

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