Don't Litter - Spay Your Critter!

Although spring seemed to delay its arrival, summer is now just around the corner. With this time of year often comes the evidence of littering – litters of puppies and kittens that is. What will happen to all of these little ones, and the ones that will be born later this year and the ones born to those youngsters also not spayed? Will each one find a special home? Doubtful.

Nearly four million dogs, cats, puppies and kittens are euthanized in animal shelters every year, and for every person born in the United States, there are seven puppies and kittens born. An unspayed female cat and her offspring can contribute several thousand additional cats in a lifetime. Animal shelters and rescue organizations become overwhelmed with the number of puppies and kittens brought to them. There is one simple solution: spay or neuter your pet!

Many myths exist about spaying and neutering, and most are just that: myths. 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.
   
   

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 of spaying and neutering than your veterinarian.

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 myths and facts, visit

http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pet_overpopulation/facts/spay_neuter_myths_facts.html

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! Remember the motto: Please don't litter, fix your critter!

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