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February is a special month that highlights responsible pet care for new, and current pet owners. This month specifically focuses on spaying and neutering your pets. This is a procedure that can have long term health and behavioural benefits for your pets.
We are here to break down the importance of spaying and neutering your pet in Connecticut, along with its benefits, and where you can go to have this procedure done. As pet-lovers, it’s a cause we can ALL get behind. Spaying and neutering your pet is a necessary procedure to consider as a pet owner.
Benefits of Spaying and Neutering your Pet in Connecticut
Having intact pets contributes to a major global issue: the overpopulation of pets. Here is a fun fact: By the time a female cat is in its third year of fertility, it can have at least 1,728 offspring. That is a lot of cats!
The overpopulation of cats and dogs can overwhelm shelters, and even cause some pets to be euthanized simply because there aren’t enough people to adopt these pets. These animals can also become strays which also leads to issue with infection and diseases right in your neighborhoods. Spaying or neutering your pets can eliminate any unwanted litters, and significantly decrease the overpopulation of pets.
From a health perspective, spaying or neutering your pets can increase their lifespan. This procedure can reduce the risk of certain cancers (of the mammary gland, ovarian and prostate cancers) and reduce the chances of infections of the uterine, ovary or prostate. This procedure can be done on younger or older pets. Your veterinarian can guide you to the best age to spay or neuter your pet.
Behavioral Changes
Typically when you think about spaying or neutering your pet, the first thing that comes to mind is eliminating unwanted pregnancies. It is important to also note that fixing your unaltered pet can eliminate unwanted behaviors as well.
In general, spayed/neutered pets are, typically, better behaved and more calm and affectionate than those that are not spayed/neutered. This will be more noticeable as your pets get older.
Male cats are less likely to spray urine and mark their territory, especially if neutered prior to developing this habit. If you know what cat pee smells like, then you definitely don’t want this happening!
Spaying a dog or cat eliminates her heat cycle, thereby eliminating regular bleeding, Heat cycles can occur up to 3 times a year, lasting 2 – 3 weeks at a time. Cats can experience heat cycles more frequently, with some going into heat every three weeks.
Where can you go?
Some pet owners are deterred from having this procedure done due to the costs that are associated with it. In the long run, if your dog ends up pregnant with a litter, you can end up spending more money on that, than what the procedure costs, to begin with.
There are plenty of clinics around Connecticut that would be happy to see you and your pet if you would like to go forward with spaying or neutering. Here are a few to get you started:
POA SPAY!
144 Main Street, Unit E, in East Hartford, Connecticut.
POA SPAY! provides a variety of spay/neuter packages to suit you and your pets’ needs. Besides the spay or neuter procedure, there are many other services offered such as microchipping, heartworm tests, and vaccinations.
Because 4 Paws
2 Old Park Lane New Milford CT 06776
Because 4 Paws is a non-profit organization whose mission is to save homeless animals across Connecticut. You can support them by donating money (all donations are tax deductible), food, or sharing their adoptable animals on social media!
Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic
25 Charles St, Stratford, CT 06615
Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic is a low cost clinic committed to providing you and your pet with the best services possible. They are also a non-profit organization with one goal: to end pet overpopulation.
To learn how RCO Pet Care Care can help you with your new puppy, check out our services, contact us or call us at (203) 641-2428. If you’re outside of our service area, we’re happy to help you find a reputable, professional pet care provider. We’ve got your tail!
Jessica graduated magna cum laude with her Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Science from the University of Connecticut in 2015. Her animal-centered coursework here included courses in animal behavior, health and disease management, anatomy and physiology, basic through advanced nutrition and feeding, genetics, comparative exercise physiology, endocrinology, reproductive physiology and equine science.
Her resume also boasts hands-on work experience managing horse farms, working with animals ranging from prairie dogs and bison to South American Primates at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, as well as care, training and management of domestic animals from hamsters to cows.
Outside of RCO, Jessica is the dog mom of five (Rocco, Luna, Owl, River and Peanut), enjoys reading, walking and training her own dogs, visiting Disney World and pursuing further educational opportunities.
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