Facts And Myths

It’s good for your pet —

• It helps reduce the risk of diseases that are expensive to treat

• Pets that are spayed or neutered have up to an 85% lower risk of certain types of cancers and other serious health complications

• Animals that are fixed make better companions because they are not motivated to wander in search of a mate

It’s good for you — eliminate annoying behavioral problems

• Altered animals are significantly less likely to mark or spray urine

• Female animals in heat can cry incessantly, act nervous and attract males from all around. Spaying eliminates the heat cycle

• Animals that have been spayed or neutered are less likely to bite, roam or get into fights

It’s good for our community —

• A compassionate society knows there is a better way to solve overpopulation than needlessly killing unwanted animals

• Communities spend millions of dollars to control unwanted companion animals. Spaying and neutering helps reduce the number of strays and unwanted animals in our community

• Unintentional breeding is the root cause of most vicious dog bites and attacks

• Spaying or neutering reduces an animal’s desire to roam, resulting in fewer traffic accidents and neighborhood complaints of nuisance animals

Get your animal fixed, make them part of your family, give them love and affection and you will be rewarded with the unconditional love and protection of a healthy pet!

Myth: My pet will get fat and lazy

Fact: Spaying or neutering does not make pets fat or lazy. The truth is that pets get fat and lazy because they are fed too much and do not get enough exercise

Myth: It’s better to have one litter first

Fact: Every time a female pet goes through a heat cycle she is at an increased risk for breast cancer and uterine infections

Myth: When my pet has a litter I will find good homes for all of them

Fact: You may find homes for all your pet’s puppies or kittens but there are already puppies and kittens being euthanized in Washington shelters every week. Further, you have no way to guarantee that those animals will not have babies of their own when they are older. Allowing your pet to breed only contributes to the problem. Be a part of the solution and call your full service vet or OK-SNIP to make an appointment today

Myth: My male pet will feel like less of a male

Fact: Pets do not have a concept of masculinity. Neutering your male pet will not cause him to suffer any kind of emotional identity crisis, nor will it change his basic personality. Your pet will be healthier and a better companion

Myth: My pet is a purebred; they don’t end up in animal shelters

Fact: One in four animals that enter shelters are purebred. Regardless of whether or not they are purebred, 50% of animals that enter into shelters are euthanized due to overpopulation

Myth: My female pet cannot be spayed if she is in heat

Fact: There are many surgeons who are experienced and comfortable with spaying females in heat

Consult with your veterinarian for what is best for your pet and keep in mind that cats and dogs can become pregnant as early as 5 months of age.

Myth: My pet is just so special and I want the puppies/kittens to be just like them

Fact: Genetics are not an exact science and even professional breeders cannot guarantee how a litter will develop. The overpopulation problem will continue to grow on the slim chance you might get another animal that is just like the parent

Myth: It’s good for my children to witness the miracle of birth

Fact: Even if children are able to see a pet give birth, the lesson they will really learn is that animals can be created and discarded as it suits adults. Instead, it should be explained to children that the real miracle is life, and that preventing the birth of some pets can save the lives of others. If you’re serious about wanting your child to witness a birth, contact us to foster the next pregnant mom who is too far along to abort

Myth: My dog will no longer be a protective watch dog

Fact: Spaying or neutering does not affect a dog’s natural instinct to protect it’s home and family. A dog’s temperament is formed more by genetics and environment than by sex hormones

Myth: It is unhealthy or unethical to spay or neuter when my pet is young

Fact: Dogs

American Kennel Club (AKC) sponsored research indicates there may be long term health benefits to spaying and neutering dogs after they have passed through puberty.  Benefits can include a reduction in orthopedic health problems, in certain cancers in specific breeds and possible improved behavior. Sexual maturity in puppies typically occurs between 6 to 9 months of age, although certain giant breeds may take longer. Sexually mature females usually go into heat twice a year. Heats last for a period of 7 to 10 days and they can become pregnant during their first heat. Males are sexually mature year round. After sexual maturity is reached spay or neuter prevents future health problems and eliminates unwanted litters.     

Cats

According to American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), studies suggest that early spay or neuter is not associated with serious health problems and does not seem to adversely affect skeletal, physical or behavioral development in cats.   In fact, there are many health, behavioral and surgical benefits for cats.  Kittens can be fixed as early as 6-14 weeks of age and are routinely altered when they weigh at least two pounds in shelters prior to adoption.  However, most full service vet clinics aren’t experienced in these surgery techniques and recommend older ages.  Cats are sexually mature at 5 to 6 months of age.  FIX BY 4 (months) is the new mantra for cats.