- PET HEALTH HIGHLIGHTS-
February is National
Spay / Neuter
Awareness Month
February is officially recognized as Spay / Neuter Awareness month to bring attention to the devastating number of homeless pets in this country. We can all help reduce the number of unwanted dogs and cats on the streets and in our shelters simply by spaying or neutering our pets. The surgery is cost effective, and can even be partially paid for by local shelters, if you qualify for financial assistance. It will make your pet calmer and healthier, too. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, spaying and neutering pets yields many health benefits, including the prevention of uterine infections and breast cancer in female dogs, and a lower risk of enlarged prostate glands and testicular cancer in male dogs. Sterilized pets are usually more affectionate and less likely to be aggressive, bite, roam, run away, mark territory, or exert dominance over other pets. February was chosen as Spay / Neuter Awareness Month to encourage people to have their pets sterilized before the spring and summer months, when there is a rampant overproduction of puppies and kittens. Most shelters experience an overwhelming increase in animal intake during those times, leading to the heartbreak of massive euthanasia. Do your part to help decrease those numbers, reduce pet overpopulation, and saves pets’ lives- spay or neuter your dog and cat! Contact your veterinarian to schedule an appointment. For referrals to participating low-cost spay / neuter programs, call this tollfree number- 1-800-248-SPAY.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Every year, 6- 8 million dogs and cats are turned in or picked up by shelters.
• Over half of the healthy, adoptable animals are euthanized simply because there are not enough homes available.
• Over 6 years, 1 female dog and 1 male dog and their offspring can produce 67,000 puppies.
• Over a 7 year period, 1 female cat and 1 male cat and their offspring can produce 420,000 cats.
• Each day, 10,000 humans are born in the US- and each day, 70,000 puppies and kittens are born. As long as these birth rates exist, there will never be enough homes for all the animals.
• 800 dogs and cats are killed every hour in this country due to lack of homes.
• Only 1 out of 600 pitbull breeds will make it out of the shelter alive. " Bully " breeds are always euthanized first.
• Pit bulls, Chihuahuas, and Labs are the top three breeds most commonly found in shelters.
• 25 % of dogs in shelters are purebreeds.
• Only 1 in 10 dogs and 1 of 12 cats born in the U. S. ever get a permanent home.
• 90 % of animals entering shelters are not fixed.
• Euthanasia kills more companion animals than any other disease.
-- If you think " just one litter " won ' t hurt, please think again-- Pawsitively Pets-- February 7