There is a health care option that has proven cost-effective
for years. Have your pet spayed or neutered! It is a wise investment in your pet's health. You pay for this surgery only once,
and it is available at low cost. When you have your pet altered, you treat them to a healthier, more comfortable life. As
a result, you may save on veterinary costs as your pet grows older. Many towns have reduced license fees for altered pets.
Spaying and neutering are surgical procedures that prevent your pet from having kittens. The surgery is irreversible,
safe and painless. Your pet is under an anaesthetic throughout the operation. After the operation, your cat or dog may stay
overnight so that the veterinarian can see that your pet starts a strong recovery.
Age and health also play an important
role in your pet's recovery. Your pet will come home quickly and comfortably if he or she is healthy at the time of the operation.
Mature pets can be spayed or neutered at almost any age, but younger pets heal more quickly. The best time to alter your pet
is between four and eight months of age. Your veterinarian can help you decide when your pet is ready for surgery.
A common concern of some pet owners is that pets should
be allowed to experience parenthood at least once. However, there is no evidence showing that house pets need a "family of
their own." If you do choose to allow your pet to have a litter, consider whether you are prepared to pay the added expense
of keeping the kittens, and the trouble of finding homes for the litter mates. Have you made a trip to your local animal shelter?
Do you recall how crowded the cages were! Do you know if every one of those animals found a home to call his own?
Having your pet altered is good for your pet, you,and your community: Help to end the animal
overpopulation problem. Did you know that one stray cat can give birth to at least 12 kittens in one year? Multiply
that figure by just 10 strays and you will quickly see how the problem increases.
Give your pet a longer and healthier life. Most altered animals avoid contracting breast or prostate cancer
and serious infections to the reproductive system. They are happier too, because spaying and neutering reduce the stress related
to heat periods twice a year.
If you own an unaltered pet,they are likely to receive injuries from fights or accidents that can occur when
they search for a mate. You are likely to receive complaints from the neighbors if your pet prowls through their yards, attacks
their pets or bites their children.
