February is National Spay/Neuter Month! Show of hands—who knew this? I don't mean to make light of such a serious issue, but it amazes me that something so easily fixed ( pun unfortunately intended ) is still such a huge problem. I am stunned when I see an intact male dog in the neighborhood or speak to someone with a six-month-old female dog who has still not been spayed. It is hard for me to stay silent in those situations. Pet overpopulation is the number one killer of dogs and cats in the United States.
There are dozens of myths surrounding the spaying and neutering of cats and dogs. The ones heard most often are that it is better to allow your female to have one litter first; a pet's behavior will change as a result; owners can find homes for the litter; pets can become fat and lazy; the operation is too costly; or my pet is far too young. None of these are true.
It is a fact that your pet will live a longer and healthier life if he or she is spayed or neutered. For females, it greatly decreases the chance of her developing cancer of the reproductive organs, along with breast, uterine and ovarian cancers. In males, it decreases the chances of testicular cancer.
People used to think that a pet had to be six months old to be altered. That thinking has changed, and pets can now safely have the operation when they are as young as eight weeks old. While a pet's behavior may change after the procedure, the changes are for the better. Male cats may reduce their territorial spraying; male cats and dogs may fight less; and their chances of getting hit by a car while roaming for females are reduced. ( Eighty percent of the dogs hit by cars are unaltered males searching for females. ) A pet gets fat and lazy because it is overfed and doesn't get enough exercise. The operation may result in some weight gain, but that is normal for people after an operation, too. When your pet is completely recovered, it is time for walks and proper diet to keep him in shape.
Yearly, millions of dogs and cats are killed because people have not spayed or neutered their pets. Homes could not be found for the litter, resulting in the animals ending up in over crowded shelters and eventually destroyed. It is an extremely sad situation made worse by the fact that it is so easy to prevent.
Cost is not an issue as there are several places that offer low-cost spaying and neutering. See www.FriendsofAnimals.com, www.anticruelty.org or www.PAWSchicago.org .
In recognition of National Spay/Neuter Month, and with the help of Cook County's Spay/Neuter rebate, Tree House Animal Foundation is offering FREE spay/neuter surgeries for cats and kittens in the Chicagoland area for a limited time starting in February. Find them at www.TreeHouseAmimals.org .
Events:
Feb. 16: Insight Studios Tattoo Parlor, 1026 N. Milwaukee. All profits from the weekend's tattoos will benefit the Anti-Cruelty Society. www.insightstudiosonline.com
Feb. 17: PetCo, 3118 N. Ashland, Chicago, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Dogs from Chicago Canine Rescue will be available for adoption. www.chicagocaninerescue.org
Feb. 24: Kriser's Pet Supplies, 2037 N. Clybourn, 12-3 p.m. Dogs from ARFhouse Chicago will be available for adoption. www.arfhouse.org
