Giving Animals as Gifts

There has been a debate over the years about giving pets as gifts, especially at Christmastime. While it seems like a thoughtful idea, you need to make sure that the person you are giving that cute puppy or kitten to is up for the commitment. And, if you decide to give an animal as a present, that you choose to adopt from your local shelter.

Giving a pet to someone at this time of year should not be a surprise to him/her. If he/she has expressed interest in getting a puppy, make sure to sit down with him/her and discuss his/her situation. You would hate to give him/her a German Shepherd if his/her apartment only allows small dogs. It's a very nice gesture to give a pet for Christmas, but do it the right way.

Avoid giving a child a pet for Christmas unless you know his/her parents are on board with it. Pets are a big responsibility and demand a lot of care and attention. The last thing you would want is for it to be returned to a shelter because the family couldn't take care of it, or afford the costs associated with pet care.

We recommend doing your research before giving someone a pet for Christmas. It's not necessarily a bad thing to give someone a pet as a gift, but know 100% that he/she actually wants it. In our honest opinion, consider giving your friend or family member something that is not living and breathing.

What is so important about spaying and neutering?

 By having your pet spayed/neutered, you are not only helping to decrease the pet population, but giving your loved one a happy and healthy life.

Millions of healthy cats and dogs are euthanized each year in the U.S. due to overpopulation and homelessness. You can do your part to end this by having your pet sterilized at a young age. There are also health and behavior benefits for your pet that receives the spay or neuter.

Health Benefits

Longevity

Studies show that pets who are spayed/neutered, have a longer life than unaltered animals.

Cancer

Spayed females have a greater chance of avoiding cancer, including breast tumors. Also, females that are spayed before their first heat tend to be healthier than those that wait.

Neutering your male pets can help prevent testicular cancer and prostate problems.

Pyometra

Unaltered female dogs run the risk of contracting Pyometra, which can be avoided if they get spayed. Pyometra is an infection in the uterus that can occur if the female has had several heat cycles without getting pregnant.

Clinical signs of Pyometra are determined by an open or closed cervix. The most common symptom of an open cervix is excretion of pus or abnormal discharge. Other symptoms include fever, lethargy, anorexia and depression. A closed cervix is much more dangerous because the discharge collects in the uterus, causing a distended abdomen. Bacteria from the uterus drains into the bloodstream and the dog can rapidly become ill. Contact our office as soon as possible if any of these symptoms occur in your dog.

Behavior Benefits

Females will not go into heat if they are spayed. A pet in heat normally will urinate all over the house, so you are saving yourself a lot of trouble by having the surgery done.

Roaming is less likely in neutered pets. Intact males like to go out looking for females and will leave your house frequently to find them. They risk getting hit by a car or fighting with other male animals.

Neutered males act much better. Intact males mark their territory by spraying strong-smelling urine everywhere. They are more aggressive and will mount on almost everything, including your leg. Neutering helps decrease this.

Have we convinced you?

We encourage you to do your research before spaying or neutering your pet, however, do take into consideration that there are more pros than cons for having the procedure done. You can make a huge difference in ending pet overpopulation simply by making the first step and scheduling an appointment with us.