Malcolm Riordan, DVM, has been the veterinarian at Woods Humane Society since 2005. Malcolm resides in Morro Bay where he has found geographic fulfillment.
Cat Spay Surgery
Dog Spay Surgery
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Surgical "Enhancement" For Your Pets? |
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by Malcolm Riordan
You bet! Marked enhancements in health and longevity are achieved for your pets by having them spayed or neutered! The simple fact is that spaying and neutering can greatly increase both the lifespan and quality of life for your pet. Why would this be?
There are a number of reasons:
Without the need to roam and compete in looking for a mate, these pets have reduced chances of being hit by cars. Tthey get into fewer fights, are less exposed to contagious disease, and are less likely to encounter poisons or other physical hazards in the environment.
Having been spayed or neutered, pets are more likely to pursue other instincts, such as bonding with you and yours: a major enhancement.
Obviously and significantly, all infections - cancer and other disease of the ovaries, uterus and testicles - are totally eliminated. In neutered males, prostate disease is pretty much off the table as well. Without the influence of testosterone, some aggressions, inappropriate male behaviors, and reasons for urinary marking are reduced or eliminated. Neutering male dogs is most effective before nine months of age, before such behaviors can be established or learned.
In females, spaying decreases the incidence of breast cancer. The rate approaches zero if your pet is spayed before the first heat cycle. Heat cycles in pets can be a time of emotional and physical consternation for all people and pets in a household, as well as being an unwelcome opportunity for all available intact males within miles. Certainly, for your female pet to never go through heat cycles is an "enhancement" for all concerned.
Spayed or intact, neutered or not, pets become overweight when they do not get enough physical activity and/or are fed too much. Diet and exercise dictate weight. The ability, innate or trained, to be a watchdog does not reside in the parts removed, so is unaffected by spaying or neutering. Your female dog or cat does not need to have "just one litter," nor will your male dog or cat benefit from a reproductive involvement or two. Avoid living by old wives' tales or myths to the contrary.
The facts of pet overpopulation are well known. If you should choose to breed a pet, do select good homes for each member of the litter. Consider this. Your contribution - puppy for puppy, kitten for kitten - would stop those new owners you have selected from visiting a nearby shelter to adopt the puppy or kitten they wanted. Contemplate the fate of the litter at the nearby shelter that loses those opportunities to be adopted. Harsh? You bet.
Choose "surgical enhancement" for your pets!
The deserving characters below are among the many currently adoptable dogs and cats at Woods.
Benji - Before and After
Adult Male
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William Meets William
Adult Male
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Panther
Adult Male
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Higgins
Adult Male
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Checkers
Adult Female
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Puppy Boy
Young Male
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