Affordable Animal Care Clinic

SPAYING & NEUTERING IN DOGS

 Castration is a term used to describe the removal of the gonads (testicles) in male animals. Spaying is a term used to describe the sterilization procedure of females. The procedure of spaying most often consists of removal of both the ovaries and uterus, which is called an ovariohysterectomy. Both procedures are performed under general anesthesia and both involve a surgical incision.

Neutering is done most commonly at or around six months of age. However, many veterinarians perform this procedure earlier – as early as 8 to 10 weeks in some situations. Early neutering can be done safely and has a number of advantages, especially in cases of pet adoption.

·  Spaying removes the risk of pregnancy.
Pet overpopulation is a serious issue and by allowing your dog to have litters, you are adding to the problem. Finding homes for your new family additions is not as easy as you may think. Even if you choose to keep the puppies, you now have the additional cost of vaccines, parasite control, toys and food for several pets. In addition to costs, the health of the mother can be in jeopardy during delivery. Some new mothers can have serious complications delivering puppies and can even develop health problems during nursing. All these potential problems can be avoided by spaying your dog.

·  Spaying makes for a cleaner, calmer dog.
Without the drive to mate, your dog may be quieter and not prone to an incessant need to seek out a mate. The spayed dog no longer attracts males and their annoying advances and serenades. Dogs won’t have a bloody discharge for several days while they are in heat. Without proper protective products, the discharge can stain sofas, bedding and carpets. Spayed pets are also easier to get along with. They tend to be more gentle and affectionate.

·  Spaying keeps your dog healthier.
A final positive aspect of spaying your dog is that spayed pets tend to have fewer health problems. Spaying is the removal of the ovaries and uterus. Without these organs, ovarian cysts, uterine infections and cancer of the reproductive tract are no longer a concern. Studies have shown that dogs spayed before puberty have a significantly lower chance of developing breast cancer than unspayed dogs or dogs spayed later in life.

·  Neutering removes the risk of pregnancy.
Pet overpopulation is a serious issue and by allowing your dog to breed, you are adding to the problem. Although you may not own the female dog, and you are not burdened with finding homes for those new puppies, someone else is. Even if you accept your responsibility and choose to keep the puppies, you now have the additional cost of vaccines, parasite control, toys and food for several pets.

·  Neutering makes for a calmer dog.
Another positive aspect of neutering your dog is that neutering can result in a calmer, and sometimes cleaner, home. Without the drive to mate, your dog may be quieter and not prone to an incessant need to seek out a mate. The neutered dog no longer feels the need to seek out and serenade females. He no longer has the stress of needing to mark his territory and urinate throughout the house and yard. Neutered pets are also easier to get along with. They tend to more gentle and affectionate. Neutered males tend to roam less and typically are not involved in as many fights with other animals.

·  Neutering keeps your dog healthier.
A final positive aspect of neutering your dog is that neutered pets tend to have fewer health problems. Neutering is the removal of the testicles. Without these organs, testicular cancer is no longer a concern and the risk of prostate problems is reduced. For those people who would like to sterilize their dog but do not wish to alter his appearance, testicular implants are available.

WHY SPAY OR NEUTER?

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/why_you_should_spay_or_neuter_your_pet.html

THE DANGERS OF PARVO

We've seen over a dozen cases in one week.  We are saving some but PLEASE get your dogs vaccinated so this doesnt happen to your beloved pet!

http://www.parvoindogs.com/

The Dangers of Transporting Loose Dogs in Vehicles

A dog riding loose in the back of a pickup is a fairly common sight but this practice can be dangerous for the dog as well as motorists. A swerve, bump, or sudden stop can jolt the dog out resulting in his injury or death or cause an accident by a driver trying to avoid hitting the fallen dog.

Transporting dogs loose in a truck bed or tied to the truck bed is dangerous. Common sense dictates that a bump, swerve or sudden stop can jolt the dog out onto the pavement, into traffic or hanging by the tether. The safest way to transport a dog is inside the vehicle in a secure carrier or with a harness and seatbelt restraint. These methods prevent driver distraction and, in the event of an accident, minimize injury and prevent the dog bolting into traffic. If the dog must ride in the truck bed, a secure carrier or, at the very least, a harness and short cross tie will protect him from being thrown out. These common sense precautions take only a few moments and can prevent pet injuries and death, costly veterinarian bills, and traffic accidents. Be smart and secure your dog!

*This is all too close to home as we just amputated a dogs leg  that was the result of the dog falling out of the back of a pickup truck.We all wish Cassie a quick & healthy recovery!

TOXIC PLANTS FOR DOGS & CATS

check out the link for listings

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/

 WHY SHOULD I ADOPT A PET?

Did you know that approximately 4 million adoptable dogs & cats are killed each year due mainly to overpopulation? Did you know that 25-30% of dogs for adoption in animal shelters are purebred? The other 70-75%, of course, are lovable, wonderful mixed-breed pets, just waiting for a chance to be your perfect new friend.

In an effort to help people make good choices when they adopt a dog or cat, many humane societies, SPCAs and pet rescues provide adoption counseling to help match you up with a pet for adoption.

If you have your heart set on a specific breed, before you check out a dog breeder or pet store, why not adopt a pet from a breed rescue organization? Breed rescues are groups that specialize in a particular breed of dog or cat.

Don't be fooled into thinking that animal shelters and pet rescues are filled with dog or cats that were discarded because they're "bad". Shelter pets for adoption are wonderful companions who became the victims of family tragedy, unlucky circumstances or irresponsible owners.

Did you know that many backyard dog breeders and pet stores who supply the majority of purebreds simply are selling inbred pets without care for preventing genetic problems? Mixed breed pets have less inbreeding, generally less inherited genetic disease, and therefore overall lower vet bills and happier pets! And the best place to find a mixed breed dog or cat is at an SPCA, a humane society or an animal shelter. 

For more information:

http://www.adoptapet.com/