Pet over-population is a very real problem

As animal lovers, we owe it to the pet population to prevent the rise of neglected and abandoned pets. Our shelters are full at any given time and there are not enough good homes for all the surplus animals. Many are euthanized awaiting their forever homes.

One spayed or neutered animal prevents the production of hundreds of individuals. Every time you allow your pet to reproduce, you are potentially taking away a home from an individual in a shelter who is waiting, and hoping.

Many families would like their children to experience the miracle of life. A much more valuable lesson would be to teach our kids how they can help hundreds of animals by preventing more from entering the planet. Visiting a local shelter with your family can teach empathy and regard for all life forms. Volunteering at a shelter can also helps kids to learn about animals without necessarily needing to have one as a pet.

At the Oak Bay Pet Clinic, we support shelters and responsible breeders. Any time you decide to bring an animal into your life, we suggest you visit the SPCA.

In addition to the ethical reasons for spaying and neutering, there are also many health benefits.

Spaying prevents many problems in female dogs and cats. Besides pregnancy and false pregnancy, breast tumors are often seen in non-spayed females. The potential for breast tumors increases with age in the non-spayed female.

Infections of the uterus (called "pyometra") are increasingly common in older non-spayed females, and these infections are life threatening. The potential for uterine infection is completely eliminated by spaying. The threat of uterine and ovarian cancer is also prevalent in older un-spayed female dogs and cats. By spaying or neutering your pet, you also eliminate the dangers of mastitis, ovarian cysts, miscarriage, the complications of delivery and injuries related to breeding.

You should spay female puppies before their first heat cycle, at around 6 months of age. Male neutering should also be done at 6 months of age just before they reach sexual maturity. Older animals can undergo the surgery provided they are in good health and current on their vaccinations. Your pet must have a comprehensive physical exam before surgery and you will be given the option of blood tests to evaluate their organ function to ensure good health.