Prevent Litter - Spay Your Critter!

 February is considered the month of love. People think of Valentine's Day and their sweetheart. February is also known among those in the animal rescue world as Spay/Neuter Awareness Month. As we anticipate spring within the next few months, and numerous amount of “littering” that exists – in the sweet form of puppies and kittens – animal welfare groups throughout the world are reminding people to prevent litters and spay/neuter your critters!

Pet Overpopulation

 

Puppies and kittens are adorable, but happens to all of these little ones, and the ones yet to be born later in the year? Sadly, most lose their lives. Throughout the country, nearly four million dogs, cats, puppies and kittens are euthanized because there are not enough homes for them all. Pet overpopulation is a major problem in the United States and around the world. Therefore, animal groups take the month of February, and particularly the last Tuesday of the month, to remind people of this terribly sad world-wide problem. This year's recognition, known was World Spay Day, takes place Tuesday, February 26, 2013.

1+1 Equals Hundreds

One of the answers lies in spaying and neutering pets. This simple operation can “litterally” save the lives of millions of companion animals. Animal welfare experts estimate that one unspayed female and one unneutered male dog contribute to 512 additional dogs within 3 years and that one unspayed female and one unneutered male cat produce 382 more cats to the already high pet population.

Myths About Spaying and Neutering

Many myths exist about spaying and neutering, and most are just that: myths. If you have concerns about the surgery and its affect upon your pet, discuss these with your vet. No one is more knowledgeable about surgical procedures and the pros and cons than your veterinarian.

Here are some facts about pets that are spayed or neutered:

1. They tend to be better behaved.
2. They tend to be more affectionate.
3. Spayed females don’t attract unwanted, aggressive males nor do they exhibit the nervous behaviors from hormonal changes and cry piteously waiting for a mate.
4. Neutered males are less likely to mark territory (such as your couch!) and they are less likely to roam.
 
Cesar Milan, the nationally-recognized and respected “Dog Whisperer”, debunks many spay and neuter myths on his website:http://www.cesarsway.com/tips/basics/spay-and-neuter-myths.

To learn more about spaying and neutering reasoning, myths and facts, visit

http://www.petfinder.com/dogs/dog-health/video-why-spay-or-neuter-a-pet/

Be the Solution, Not the Problem

Lack of homes and pet overpopulation is a serious national, regional, state and community problem –so let’s fix the problem by fixing our pets! Animal shelters and rescue organizations are bombarded with animals; why be part of the problem when you can be part of the solution? So, please don't litter, spay or neuter your critter!