Fact: Spaying & neutering does not make pets fat or lazy. The truth is that pets get fat and lazy because their owners feed them too much and don’t give them enough exercise.
Myth: It is better to have one litter first.
Fact: Having your female pet spayed before her first heat cycle can decrease the incidence of mammary (breast) cancer by 95%. Every time a female dog or cat goes through a heat cycle she is at an increased risk for mammary cancer and uterine infections. Neutering your male pet helps guard against testicular cancer and prostatic diseases. It also improves behaviors such as aggression, urine marking, and wandering.
Myth: When my pet has a litter I will find good homes for all the puppies and kittens.
Fact: You may indeed find homes for all your pet’s puppies or kittens but there are already puppies and kittens being euthanized in Ark-La-Tex shelters every week. Further, you have no way to guarantee that those puppies and kittens will not have babies of their own when they are older. You are part of this problem when you allow your pet to breed. Be part of the solution and call the clinic today!
Myth: My male dog or cat will feel like less of a male.
Fact: Pets do not have any concept of masculinity or sexual identity; these are 100% human concepts. Neutering your male dog/cat will not cause him to suffer any kind of emotional identity crisis, nor will it change his basic personality. Your pet will be healthier and a better companion.
Myth: My pet is purebred; they don’t end up in animal shelters.
Fact: 25% of the animals turned into shelters are purebred and yes, these purebreds are also part of the 15,000 animals euthanized in our area each year. Purebred or mixed-breed…there are just too many.
Myth: My pet is just so special and I want the puppies/kittens to be just like them.
Fact: Genetics are not an exact science and even professional breeders cannot guarantee how a litter of puppies/kittens will develop. You are adding to the overpopulation problem on the slim chance you might get a pup/kit that is just like the parent.
Myth: It’s good for my children to witness the miracle of birth.
Fact: Even if children are able to see a pet give birth, 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. Another option is to foster a pregnant shelter animal.
Myth: My dog will no longer be a protective watch dog.
Fact: Spaying or neutering does not affect a dog’s natural instinct to protect home and family. A dog’s temperament is formed more by genetics and environment than by sex hormones.
Get your animal fixed, make them part of your family, give them love and affection and you will be rewarded with the unconditional love and protection of a healthy pet.