#BeattheHeatMonth Should you Spay/Neuter your Pet?
In honor of February and Spay / Neuter Awareness Month AKA Beat the Heat Month, I want to highlight a frequent dilemma all pet parents face:
Should I Fix My Pet?
As loving pet owners, we are all concerned about the health and happiness of our fur-babies. In my work with rescues, growing up with pets and as a pet owner myself, I have also faced the “Fix your pet” dilemma. I believe there are pros and cons to any decision such as this, but it is best to consider what is in the best interest of your pet and your lifestyle.
Questions to ask Yourself:
What are the reasons you would want to keep your pet intact and possibly breed them? Are there specific skills or traits your pet has or a specific purpose you are breeding for? Do these reasons align with your lifestyle and desires for your pet?
Have I considered all responsibilities associated with keeping my pet intact? Do I have a plan to breed my pet? Am I prepared for unintended litters and the future responsibilities involved with them?
I know there are pros and cons to fixing my pet; do the pros outweigh the cons in terms of my pets age, health, and our lifestyle?
Did you know?
According to the APPA (American Pet Products Association) National Pet Owners Survey, there are an estimated 183.9 million pet dogs and cats in America. In comparison, there are 325.7 million people in the United States as of 2017. This means that, statistically, there is one domestic pet to every two people in the U.S.! This does not take into account the feral cat population, stray and abandoned pets or the puppy mill industry.
In my work photographing adoptable dogs and cats with rescues throughout Colorado, I see pets of all ages searching for the loving home they deserve. According to data from 2014, between 6 to 8 million of those pet cats and dogs enter shelters each year. Of that number, as many as 1.5 million are euthanized due to lack of space or resources.
Questions to ask your Vet:
Your Vet should be your number one resource to start discussing the decision to spay or neuter your pet. They will advise you as to the risks and benefits of fixing your pet, based on your pet’s breed, size, age and health. If you are on the fence, a second Vet opinion is also a reasonable request.
The age in which you fix your pet is also very important. Fixing your pet too young can have some health repercussions including increased risk of osteosarcoma, or bone cancer, for both males and females. This has been found in studies specifically if the pet is fixed before they turn 1 year old. Your pet’s breed, current health and family history (if you have it) can also be a crucial factor in deciding when to fix your dog.
Your vet can also recommend online resources for more information. When doing research on the web, please consider your sources. We recommend starting with the American Veterinary Medical Association’s spay and neuter page.
Where do I go to get my pet fixed?
You should always consult with your veterinarian and discuss the cost of spaying or neutering your pet. If you cannot afford their services, they can recommend a local shelter or a low-cost or mobile spay/neuter clinic.
Here are some recommended Low-Cost Clinics in the Denver area:
Spay2Day in Lakewood
Denver Dumb Friends League - Spay & Neuter Resources
Denver Dumb Friends League - Cat Clinic
ASPCA - Search for low-cost clinics and programs in your area
I believe spaying or neutering your pet is an important decision. Always remember to consider all the factors and make use of the resources available to help you make an educated decision. Your pet will thank you!