Myths and Facts : Spaying & Neutering by Sherri S . Cokefair , VMD
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Myths and Facts : Spaying & Neutering by Sherri S . Cokefair , VMD
With National Spay Day coming up in February , it ' s a perfect time to dispel myths and state the facts when it comes to spaying and neutering pets . It ' s so important , not only to help decrease the unwanted pet population , but to also help prevent health risks associated with not spaying and neutering .
MYTH : Spaying and neutering causes pets to gain weight . FACT : Weight gain is due to lack of exercise and overfeeding .
MYTH : It ' s better to wait until your pet has one litter . FACT : Females spayed before their first heat will have a near zero chance of developing mammary cancer . In dogs , the risk of developing mammary cancer after just 2 heat cycles is 25 %.
MYTH : Spaying and neutering is unhealthy . FACT : Neutered / spayed pets actually live longer , healthier lives . Neutering a male pet will help prevent some prostrate problems , and even testicular cancer . Spaying females will prevent mammary cancer and pyometra , a life-threatening infection of the uterus .
MYTH : Neutering make pets feel like less of a male . FACT : Pets don ' t have concepts of sexual identity , so neutering a male pet will not cause emotional reactions or an identity crisis .
MYTH : My pet is so special , I want another just like him / her . FACT : It is just as possible that the litter may receive all of the worst characteristics from their parents .
MYTH : Neutering causes behavioral changes . FACT : Changes from neutering are for the better . Pets that are not neutered are more likely to mark their territory by spraying urine in the house . Dogs that are not neutered may also have aggression problems due to higher levels of testosterone , and a tendency to mount other dogs , people , and inanimate objects . If a male dog is neutered , he is also less likely to roam away from home looking for a female . Overall , pets are better behaved and more calm and affectionate when they are spayed / neutered .
MYTH : It ' s too expensive to spay or neuter my pet . FACT : There are options in our community to help with spay / neuter costs . Save money by taking advantage of National Spay Day , which is usually the last week in February .
Bottom line - the cost of spaying or neutering your pet is way cheaper than what it would cost to care for a litter . It is also cheaper to spay or neuter than to treat some of the medical problems that can be caused from not spaying or neutering .
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Pawsitively Pets -- November
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Recalls :
Mid-America Pet Food of Mt . Pleasant , TX : Expanding its recall from October to include additional dog food , due to potential Salmonella contamination . Affected products include Victor Super Premium Dog Food - multiple bag sizes , Wayne Feeds Dog Food - 40 pound bags , Eagle Mountain Pet Food - 40 pound bags , Member ' s Mark ( Sam ' s Club ) Dog Food - 30 pound bags , Select Beef Meal & Brown Rice Formula . Info : 1-888-428-7544 . ( 11 / 10 / 23 )
TFP Nutrition of Nacogdoches , TX : Expanding its recall to include all dry dog and cat food manufactured in its Nacogdoches facility , due to potential Salmonella contamination . For a complete list of affected products , log on to dogfoodadvisor . com . Info : 1-800-330-3048 ( 10 / 24 / 23 )
Blue Ridge Beef Breeders Choice of Statesville , NC : Recalling two pound bags of Raw Pet Food due to Salmonella contamination . Info : 704-880-4500 . ( 10 / 27 / 23 )
Carolina Prime Pet Inc of Lenoir , NC : Recalling five varieties of its jerky products due to Salmonella contamination . Recalled items are Hollywood Feed Carolina Made USA Farm Raised Beef Jerky , Chicken Jerky , Wild Elk Jerky , Pork Jerky , and Turkey Jerky . Info : 888-370-2360 . ( 10 / 13 / 23 )
Source : dogfoodadvisor . com , amva . org
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