|
Animal Alliance - South Cumberland, Inc.
MYTHS AND FACTS
Myths and Facts About Spaying and Neutering
There
are many myths associated with the spaying or neutering of animals.
Some of the more common myths and related facts, as found on the
Humane Society of the United States website, are as
follows:
MYTH:
My pet will get fat and lazy.
FACT:
The truth is that most pets get fat and lazy because their owners
feed them too much and don’t give them enough exercise.
-----------------
MYTH:
It’s better to have one litter first.
FACT:
Medical evidence indicates just the opposite. In fact,
the evidence shows that females spayed before their first heat are
typically healthier. Many
veterinarians now sterilize dogs and cats as young as eight weeks of
age.
-----------------
MYTH:
My children should experience the miracle
of birth.
FACT:
Even if children are able to see a pet give birth – which is unlikely,
since it usually occurs at night and in seclusion – the lesson they will
really learn is that animals can be created and discarded as it suits
adults. Instead, it should
be explained to children that the real miracle is life and that
preventing the birth of some pets can save the lives of others.
-----------------
MYTH:
But my pet is a purebred.
FACT:
So is at least one out of every four pets brought to animal shelters
around the country. There
are just too many dogs and cats – mixed breed and purebred.
-----------------
MYTH:
I want my dog to be protective.
FACT:
Spaying or neutering does not affect a dog’s natural instinct to protect
home and family. A dog’s
personality is formed more by genetics and environment than by sex
hormones.
-----------------
MYTH:
I don’t want my male dog or cat to feel like
less of a male.
FACT:
Pets don’t have any concept of sexual identity or ego.
Neutering will not change a pet’s basic personality.
He doesn’t suffer any kind of emotional reaction or identity
crisis when neutered.
-----------------
MYTH:
But my dog (or cat) is so special; I want
a puppy (or kitten) just like her.
FACT:
A dog or cat may be a great pet, but that doesn’t mean her offspring
will be a carbon copy. In
fact, an entire litter of puppies or kittens might receive all of a
pet’s (and her mate’s) worst characterizes.
-----------------
MYTH:
I’ll find good homes for all the puppies
and kittens.
FACT:
You may find homes for all of your pet’s litter, but each home you find
means one less home for the dogs and cats that are in shelters or are
abandoned and need homes.
Also, in less than one year’s time, each of your pet’s offspring may
have his or her own litter, adding even more animals to the population.
The problem of pet overpopulation is created and perpetuated one
litter at a time.
-----------------
MYTH:
It’s too expensive to have my pet spayed
or neutered.
FACT:
The cost of spaying or neutering depends on the sex, size, and age of
the pet and other variables.
You might be surprised at how inexpensive it can be.
But whatever the actual price, spay or neuter surgery is a
one-time cost – relatively small cost when compared to all the benefits.
It’s a bargain compared to the cost of having a litter and
ensuring the health of the mother and litter; two months of pregnancy
and another two months until the litter is weaned can add up to
significant veterinary bills and food cost if complications develop.
Most importantly, it’s a very small price to pay for the health
of your pet and the prevention of the births of more unwanted pets.
FACT:
Animal Alliance South Cumberland makes spaying and neutering affordable
and available. Please do the
right thing for your pet and your community and spay and neuter you
pets. Just call AASC at
931-235-9006, to set up a
reservation for your pet and be a part of the solution to the
abandonment and subsequent abuse of dogs and cats on the mountain.
-----------------
Together we can solve the problem of pet overpopulation!
It’s good for your pet; it’s good for you, and
it’s good for your community.
|