Pet Sterilization

This week I'm going to cover some facts and myths surrounding pet sterilization. These surgeries are otherwise commonly known as castration, or neutering, for male pets and an OHE, or spaying, for female pets.

There is much controversy surrounding the necessity of this surgery because of the popular myths regarding it and I want to make the benefits of this surgery as clear as possible, as to expose the risks and/or harm that is likely to be caused by not getting pets sterilized or not getting them sterilized when they are still young.

The absolute clear fact that encompasses all of the others regarding this subject, though, is that the sterilization of pets helps to save companion animal's lives in many ways. For example, if you get your pet sterilized you eliminate the possibility of them reproducing which helps control companion animal population. Their population is a growing crisis and working to gain control of it helps save the lives of either unborn animals or ones waiting patiently in shelters for homes. In short, pet owners play a large part in the ability to control this crisis.

The myths that follow are actual beliefs some pet owners hold about this surgery. I can't recall how many times I received calls from panicky pet owners regarding a sick (from an infection in the uterus or false pregnancy) or possibly pregnant dog or cat and still can't believe some of the excuses people use for not sterilizing their pets. The primary excuse being that the surgery costs too much and they're waiting until they can save enough money for it. A little word of advise to those of you thinking about getting a pet; save up for this surgery eihter before you get it or while you're waiting for it to be old enough to get it! You (especially after reading this, hopefully) know this surgery is a must and keep in mind that it costs a whole lot more to raise a litter and a whole lot more to get the surgery if your pet is pregnant (yes, a female can be spayed if she's pregnant and it's like an abortion, only she can no longer reproduce). There are also many low cost options in place for this surgery and different clinics that do the procedure at discounted rates. Most humane societies also provide vouchers toward this surgery if you adopt a pet from them.

Besides the excuse given above, here are some other myths I've encountered either during my experience at the vet clinic or while surfing the web (it's so handy):

Myth: My pet will get fat and lazy.
Fact: This surgery doesn't have any effect on their metabolism and they're just the same as they were before. In fact, most pets become overweight because of being fed too much and not enough exercise. Pets are meant to be active, some people say for an hour a day, but it really depends on the breed and it's completely different for cats.

Myth: I don't want my dog to feel like less of a man.
Fact: Pets don't have any concept of gender, except for the occasional dominance issues. The fact is that a male can smell a female in heat from a great distance, dog or cat, and will try its hardest to find her if he's not neutered.

Myth: I don't need to neuter my dog, he's not the one having puppies.
Fact: Really? So, a man doesn't have to wear a condom because he's not the one getting pregnant? Come on!

Myth: It's better for them to have a litter before getting spayed.
Fact: I have no idea where this belief arose from or why it's believed. The fact is, every litter born adds on to the almost already staggering companion animal overpopulation crisis. Whether they're found good homes or not, they still take homes away from ones in shelters or out on streets. I once read that 3 to 4 million animals are euthanized every year in animal shelters because they're not adopted. This can be prevented.

Myth: I want my dog to be protective of my house and family.
Fact: Protectiveness is an instinct and has nothing to do with sex hormones.