Do please take this issue seriously as there are so many unwanted dogs and cats around that the rescue centres cannot cope with the volume. A female should be spayed at the age of six months and even then you should be alert for signs of an early heat. There are several other good reasons for spaying:
1) You will not attract other dogs/tomcats to your area.
2) A bitch/cat that is bred too often will get debilitated.
3) The bitch will no longer have the possibility of pyometria and the chances of getting breast cancer may be reduced.
With the over-population of both canines and felines, and the euthanasia of so many unwanted pets, do you want your pet’s offspring to contribute to those numbers? Your pet would be responsible for thousands of unwanted animals in just a few years. It is also cheaper to spay your bitch or cat than to pay for the cost of building up the mother properly and feeding her puppies/kittens over eight weeks, not to mention the cost of worming and possibly veterinary bills. Spaying is by far the cheapest – and kindest – option.
Alexandra is the author of “The Healthy Dog ” and “The Healthy Cat” books – both recommended by vets. She co-founded a vitamin company with her homeopathic vet Mark Elliott at www.petnutrition.co.uk. She is the founder of the ABC Animal Sanctuary with over 150 animals. It is staffed entirely by volunteers and we are grateful for donations or adoptions which help us to continue our rescue work. www.abcanimalsanctuary.co.uk is where you can meet the animals.
copyright A.L.Bastedo
