WHY SHOULD I SPAY /NEUTER MY PET???

As a responsible pet owner, you may be aware that spaying and neutering your pet is highly recommended.

Spaying is the surgery where a female dog or cat’s uterus and ovaries are removed. Neutering involves removing the testicles of a male dog or cat. Both of these surgeries ensure that the pet cannot reproduce, and ideally the surgery is performed before sexual maturity (roughly between 4 and 6 months of age).

An intact pet is one who has not been spayed or neutered.

The main reasons why we recommend spaying or neutering your pet are...

MEDICAL

Not only does spaying and neutering control the pet population, but it is medically important in the life of an individual pet. There are many cancers and other diseases related to the reproductive tract. If the pet’s reproductive tract is removed, the chances of developing these medical issues is greatly reduced.

Intact males can develop prostate enlargement and testicular cancer, while females are at risk for mammary and uterine cancer, as well as pyometra – a life threatening infection of the uterus. Neutering can greatly decrease the risk of these diseases.

HEALTH OF THE BREED

Most people who have only one litter will not pick the mate based on genetic soundness and who will produce the healthiest offspring. They often breed their pet and their friend’s pet because “they would make such cute puppies/kittens”.

Responsible breeders, however, research their animals thoroughly and have a long-term goal in mind that ultimately will benefit the breed as a whole. They base their choice of mates on very specific criteria.

ANIMAL OVERPOPULATION

Finding appropriate home for all the puppies or kittens can also be difficult, with all the animals in shelters needing homes desperately. Many animals are abandonded or end up being euthanised because they can not find homes.

We feel it is a medically and socially responsible decision to have your pet spayed or neutered at an early age.

WHY SHOULD I VACCINATE MY PET???

Vaccines contain all or part of an organism that causes a particular disease. When a vaccine is given, the body reacts to the organism and the immune system learns how to attack it in the future. However, over time the immunity decreases, required a booster of the vaccine. By boosting a vaccine, we can “remind” the immune system about the organism, giving the pet better protection against a disease.

Newborn animals have not yet had a chance to make their own immunity, but still need protection against infections present in their environment. They receive this immunity from their mother, partly across the placenta before birth, but mostly through the “first milk” or colostrums they drink in the first day or two after birth. Maternal immunity is only temporary. It declines steadily over the first few weeks of life and is largely gone by twelve weeks of age.

Every pet is individual and the levels of antibodies decline at an unpredictable rate. This is why we reccomend vaccinating puppies or kittens at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. The pet will be seen one year after the last puppy or kitten visit to boost all the vaccines.

As far as vaccine adult vaccinations, we follow the instructions provided by the vaccine manufacturer. Some vaccines have been tested to be effective for up to three years, while some are only proven for one year.

Some pet owners chose to have the pet’s annual physical exam done routinely, but instead of vaccinating, a blood sample is collected and tested for the level of specific antibodies. This is called titre testing, and indicates the level of the pet’s immunity. The titre levels help to guide the owner and veterinarian as to when the pet’s vaccines need to be boosted next.

Titre testing is only available for certain viruses, and is more expensive than vaccinating. If the titre is low, then the pet will need to have those vaccines boosted anyway.

Keep in mind that immunity is not absolute. Immunity (as reflected by an adequate titre level) can sometimes be overcome when there is:

·         an overwhelming exposure to a high dose of a virulent or particularly harmful strain of the microorganism

·         a higher level of stress (i.e. – boarding, travel, high anxiety pets)

·         an already weakened immune system due medical conditions, diseases, or from fighting other infections

·         a history of immuno-suppressive medication, such as a steroid.

Every pet and every family is different. It is our mission to educate pet owners and present appropriate courses of action. Please consult us to determine how to effectively maintain your pet’s health.

DISTRACTED DRIVING LAW

On a bit of a different note, please be aware that Bill 16, the new distracted driving law came into effect on September 1st. It applies to pets in vehicles too! For the safety of pets and drivers, pets should be secured in an appropriate pet carrier or harness.

Enjoy the season!!!

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