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Chesterfield Veterinary Clinic

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Spay / Neuter - The Painful Facts



Millions of unwanted and homeless cats and dogs are born in our country each year. During the peak of the kitten season from late April to September, pounds and humane shelters kill unwanted and abandoned cats at the rate of over ONE PER MINUTE. Some 11 million dogs and puppies are killed because nobody wants them and shelters simply do not have the capabilities to care for such an immense number of animals. Others less fortunate are left to wander, being easy prey for larger animals, easy targets for automobiles and easy marks for cruel pranksters and fanatics. If they do survive these hazards and the elements, they soon attain maturity and bring forth puppies and kittens to continue this vicious cycle. Every cat/dog owner whose pet is un-spayed or un-neutered, and allowed to roam, must bear the guilt for the terrible overpopulation.

Facts on Neutering

1. Many people think that there is no problem with their pet reproducing, if they can find homes for the offspring. But even if you do find homes for the offspring, by doing so you are taking homes away from other animals that could have potentially been adopted.

2. Neutered pets have a calmer temperament than other pets because they are not constantly in search of a mate. When pets look for a mate they may roam, run away, have more aggressive behavior, bark excessively, and may even hurt themselves trying to escape a fenced-in yard.

3. Neutered pets have twice the life expectancy of un-neutered pets. They are less likely to injure themselves trying to escape, to be hit by cars, harmed by other animals or people, get abscesses and injuries, be poisoned, and to contract possible animal to animal diseases. They also have a greater life expectancy due to a much lower chance of developing breast, uterine, testicular, and prostate cancer.

4. Neutered pets are cleaner. No more females that stain the carpet, and males that spray everything.

5. Some think spaying and neutering is painful, but surgery is performed under an anesthetic. Animals are back to normal within a few days. Discomfort is usually minor.

6. Some think dogs that get fixed become less protective and loyal. Any behavioral changes brought on by neutering are positive ones. The animal is calmer, but it still stays loyal and protective.

7. A lot of people think neutering is too expensive. Many humane societies and animal control departments offer low-cost neutering - ask our clinic for more information.

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