There are a lot of myths going around about spaying and neutering your pet. This surgery helps control the pet population of course, but can actually save your pet's life. If you are on the fence about spaying your female pet or neutering your male pet but haven't made your decision yet, the following information may help you make the right choice for your pet and the pet population as a whole.
Having My Pet Altered Is Too Expensive
Spay/neuter surgery can be expensive. However, there are many clinics that provide assistance with this cost, and many programs that provide vouchers or rebates to pet owners who choose to have their pet spayed or neutered. If you aren't sure what programs are available in your area, the ASPCA has put together a handy guide to help you find assistance in your area. There may be other options available in your area; ask your veterinarian or your local animal shelter for more information on assistance with the cost of getting your pet altered.
My Pet Needs to Parent at Least One Litter to Feel "Complete"
This is another common excuse from pet owners when asked why they don't get their pet altered. The truth is - your pet doesn't really care one way or the other if they become a parent, and if they never have their own puppies or kittens, they won't miss a thing. According to the Humane Society of the United States, around 2.7 million healthy, adoptable, but homeless cats and dogs are euthanized in this country every year. Spaying or neutering your pet will keep your pet from contributing to the pet overpopulation crisis. In addition, spaying and neutering your pet can stave off several severe health problems, such as pyometra, mammary cancer, testicular cancer and other diseases that can ultimately take your pet's life.
My Pet Isn't Old Enough
In days gone by, the standard age to have a pet surgically sterilized was six months. However, thanks to research in veterinary medicine, pet owners no longer need to wait until the magical six-month mark. Pets may be spayed or neutered as young as two months old. Since a cat or dog can get pregnant or sire a litter as early as four to five months of age, this new guideline has the potential to prevent many unwanted pet pregnancies. Talk to your vet, such as atNorwin Veterinary Hospital, and see if your pet is old enough to be spayed before the six-month mark.