The Truth About Cats and Dogs

Hi All,

Libby here. I hope you are having meaningful Martin Luther King Jr. Days.

Today's topic is both near and dear my heart but, it can be a bit of a sensitive issue. So I've decided to treat it with all manner of discretion.

In the words of the great Salt N' Pepa, Let's TaIk About Sex. 

Joking aside, as a pet parent, it's important to understand the ins and outs of animal procreation so you can act in an educated manner when it comes to the well being of your pet. This information might be tremendously obvious to all of you - if this is not new news, my apologies. And for the rest of you, it's time we had the 'chat'.

Just like humans, animals reach a point of sexual maturity. Once sexually mature, female dogs go into heat approximately every six months and female cats experience go into heat once a month or so. During these time periods, the male counterparts of dogs and cats are extra attracted to the female and, well lets say... things can get quite rowdy.

So why all this info about animal love? Well, aside from a desire to curb excessive population growth, (do you know how many pups and kittens are in a litter!?) since there are so many homeless cats and dogs and we want to help keep this in check, there are also significant health benefits to spaying and neutering your pets.

When making the decision whether or not to 'fix' your pet, keep in mind that you don't want to do this while they are too young; recent studies show that premature spaying and neutering can  make your pet more inclined to skeletal problems. That said, the decision to go ahead and fix your pet is actually beneficial to their health. Spaying your female cat or dog will help them avoid uterine infections later or rare genital tract tumors later on in life. Neutered male cats and dogs are less prone to prostate infections as well as testicular tumors.

Now please don't think I'm up on some soapbox advocating one way or another or, trying to twist your arm to spay or neuter your pet. Each pet owner is responsible and capable of making educated and responsible decisions for your pet. But, I wanted to share what I know and let you and your pets go forth and procreate. Or not as the case may be.

Til' next time,

Libby