My baby’s a big boy now, all 14 pounds of him. He’s 6 months old, and any minute now, he’s about to reach sexual maturity. Of course I’m talking about my youngest pup, Siam, supposedly a Toy Poodle, but more like a Miniature Poodle given his size. He’s grown ginormous the past couple of months, and as you can see in the photos, he now looks like the love child between Aslan and a Jigglypuff. The best time to neuter a male dog is right before sexual maturity so he doesn’t develop the habits that usually accompany this stage. Cairo, my Yorkie, got neutered a bit late, so even after the procedure, he never got rid of his territorial spraying or humping. Siam still pees like a girl so hopefully he doesn’t spray anymore.
Most people still cringe when I say I spay and neuter my pets. A lot still consider it cruel, when in fact vets and animal rights advocates mostly consider it the more “humane” way to go. I say mostly because of course there will be dissenting opinions, but generally, the widely accepted fact is that spaying and neutering is the way to go. Spayed and neutered animals generally live longer and healthier lives. Spaying a female dog also eliminates the messiness associated with the heat cycle. Neutering of male dogs and cats can prevent certain undesirable sexual behaviors, such as urine marking, humping, male aggression and the urge to roam. If you have more than one pet in your household, all the pets will generally get along better if they are neutered.
And of course there’s the problem of over-population. So many breeders already, no need to add any more. Too many dogs going to homes that are not necessarily prepared for a companion animal. So many dogs are bought by families, only to be given away or left tied in a corner after they prove “too hard to handle”. Once the cuteness of the puppies evolve into the more robust adult dogs, many families balk at the actual work that needs to be put in. So even if you have people in mind to give your future pups to, it’s no guarantee that they’ll have loving homes to go to.
Of course it goes without saying that I’m nevertheless a mess. Because although I advocate spaying and neutering, it’s still a surgical procedure and it’s not without its risks. So here I am, on pins and needles, hoping that there are no hitches and that the operation went well. I’m still waiting for the text from my vet saying the procedure is done, that Siam is healthy and well and that he is on his way home. I’ll post an update once I get news on how things went. Hang in there, Siam! Get well quick, so you can jump again all you want!
Here’s the PETA spay/neuter ad with Jane Lynch:
I had my pet cat spayed too & my friends were wondering why I did that to my cat. Aside from the above reasons you mentioned, altering (spaying/neutering) your pets also make them a lot more affectionate & they eat well. I remember my cat barely eating anything when she’s in heat & her loud calls were not just disruptive, but I sense the pain in her voice when she’s calling out for a mate.
It’s been a week since she was spayed & she’s doing great. Sabi nila mas maselan ang na-spay kasi syempre internal yung operation. We were anxious at first because we’re all working & it’s only my mom left at home & it’s like extra work for her to tend to a recuperating animal. But it’s really worth it to have your pets altered. I’m sure if you have lovable pets like Chico’s you’d enjoy their affection most of all, & trust me, you’re gonna love them more.
Hay thank you at may kakampi naman pala ako! I have two shih tzus, a 4-month old male and 3-month old female and I seriously want to have them spayed/neutered. My Pops think its sayang sa breed but helloooo, they are not the ones who will suffer. I’m thinking of secretly doing the deed when my dogs are nearing their big day.
Hi guys,
I have a 2 month old Male Shih Tzu.. I am thinking of having him spayed with he reaches the right time.. I would like to know How much could this cost me?
Thank you & more power!
@Ac: It depends on the clinic rates. The vet clinic near my place charges less for male pets. Di ko sure yung presyo sa dogs, though. When my cat was spayed, I paid P1.5k for the surgery, P100 for the antibiotic, P100+ for the vitamins & less than P100 for betadine (to clean the wound). If you’re going to confine your pet to the clinic post-surgery (this is advisable if in case no one at home will be able to tend to a recuperating pet), clinics have special rates on a per day basis for confinement.
I’d like to recommend CARA Welfare Phils (http://www.caraphil.org/). They have budget-friendly neutering/spaying fees. They do a short interview of the pet owners & answer whatever questions you may have on the procedure.
Thank you so much Anne.. Everything you said is helpful and is already noted.
hi chicco I love your baby. Im a veterinarian. Anyway, chicco where can I download your March 28, 2011 the Morning Rush episode?
Its been really a problem, the over population punta ka sa kartimar andming pets na nalipasan na ng panahon
((