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Saturday, February 14, 2015
Kennels and Catteries or pet sitters
I thought this would be an interesting post for anyone who is on the fence about whether to use a pet sitter / boarder or a kennels / cattery.
You are probably thinking that I am biased because I run a pet sitting business - well actually not so. I believe that both types of establishments have their their place as individual pets have individual requirements.
Here are a few things you might find helpful in making your decision:
Your Pet's Behaviour & Temperament
If you had to sum your pet up in a few words how would you do it? Active? Aggressive? Insecure? Pampered?
Your pets personality goes a long way towards determining how he or she will cope with any type of new environment. For example if your dog is happy-go-lucky and totally up for anything than its entirely possible that he will adjust well to a boarding kennel as well as boarding in someone else's home.
If on the other hand pooch or puss is insecure and nervous the chances are that you will trigger a sense of abandonment by leaving him in a kennels/cattery. It's worth mentioning here that to some degree this will still be an issue when leaving him with a pet sitter/boarder but a big bonus to using a pet sitter is that your dog will be able to meet and get acquainted with the individual before his actual "holiday". This makes a huge difference to how well your dog adjusts to the change in environment and carer.
If your dog has difficulties with house training or is prone to destructive behaviour than its realistic to expect that a pet sitter will not accept him into their home. Therefore in such an instance a boarding kennel may be your only option aside from cancelling your holiday or taking your dog with you (unless you have a trusty relative you can leave him with). You should expect to be asked about your dogs behaviour by a potential pet sitter.
Aggressive dogs or dogs who have issues with children or other pets may also be better suited to a boarding kennels because although they will be next door to other dogs they will not be a threat. It's usually the case that a pet sitter will not have multiple dogs from different owners staying with them at the same time as yours but its likely they will have their own pets or children. Even if they dont make a habit of mixing the two together its possible they will not want to risk any injury. Therefore you should not expect a pet boarder or sitter to look after an aggressive dog.
For dogs that love comfort and cuddles then a pet sitter is the ideal choice as attention and home comforts are in generous supply :)
Your Peace Of Mind
The decision about who to leave your pet with when you are out of town is not just about how your precious companion will cope - its about how you feel about things too.
Just because your dog is comfortable in a boarding kennel does not mean you will be!
Better to pay a little more for a pet sitter and enjoy peace of mind whilst on your holidays than spend your entire vacation worrying about what your pet is doing.
Another plus to pet sitters is that they will be happy to keep in touch with you via text, email and sometimes facebook so that you can see photos of how your baby is doing. This is a big plus for anxious owners!
Price
Budget certainly comes into play when it comes to choosing where your pet should go.
Boarding kennels and catteries are generally pretty cost effective and so if you are on a tight budget than this would be your best option.
Pet sitters and boarders are generally quite a bit more expensive - you should expect this as you are paying for what is essentially a luxury service.
Whatever your choice it could be worth setting aside a little money each week so that when the time for your holiday comes you have the funds ready. You should also expect to pay a deposit to secure your booking.
Dispelling The Myths
Some owners have heard horror stories about kennels and catteries and whilst its true that some pets have had bad experiences - the majority of establishments are excellent.
Gone are the days of damp, old wooden kennels with grubby bedding. Most kennels / catteries are now spacious, heated and comfortable - as well as clean.
Some people also think that their dog will be neglected whilst in a boarding kennels. Whilst its true that they probably wont have as much undivided attention as they would at home (if you are an owner who spends a lot of time with your dog or cat), they are given plenty of exercise - usually either in a secure play area where they can socialize and have a romp with other dogs, or by being taken for several walks per day.
If you are concerned and really want to know what its like then you should try visiting the boarding kennels unexpectedly. Additionally you could search online for reviews and speak to owners who have used the establishment.
Pros Of Kennels & Catteries
Cost effective
Safe
Usually have availability
Good for dogs with behavioural issues
Pros Of Pet Sitters & Boarders
Luxury service
Regular updates & photos
More attention
Ideal for older or more needy pets
You are probably thinking that I am biased because I run a pet sitting business - well actually not so. I believe that both types of establishments have their their place as individual pets have individual requirements.
Here are a few things you might find helpful in making your decision:
Your Pet's Behaviour & Temperament
If you had to sum your pet up in a few words how would you do it? Active? Aggressive? Insecure? Pampered?
Your pets personality goes a long way towards determining how he or she will cope with any type of new environment. For example if your dog is happy-go-lucky and totally up for anything than its entirely possible that he will adjust well to a boarding kennel as well as boarding in someone else's home.
If on the other hand pooch or puss is insecure and nervous the chances are that you will trigger a sense of abandonment by leaving him in a kennels/cattery. It's worth mentioning here that to some degree this will still be an issue when leaving him with a pet sitter/boarder but a big bonus to using a pet sitter is that your dog will be able to meet and get acquainted with the individual before his actual "holiday". This makes a huge difference to how well your dog adjusts to the change in environment and carer.
If your dog has difficulties with house training or is prone to destructive behaviour than its realistic to expect that a pet sitter will not accept him into their home. Therefore in such an instance a boarding kennel may be your only option aside from cancelling your holiday or taking your dog with you (unless you have a trusty relative you can leave him with). You should expect to be asked about your dogs behaviour by a potential pet sitter.
Aggressive dogs or dogs who have issues with children or other pets may also be better suited to a boarding kennels because although they will be next door to other dogs they will not be a threat. It's usually the case that a pet sitter will not have multiple dogs from different owners staying with them at the same time as yours but its likely they will have their own pets or children. Even if they dont make a habit of mixing the two together its possible they will not want to risk any injury. Therefore you should not expect a pet boarder or sitter to look after an aggressive dog.
For dogs that love comfort and cuddles then a pet sitter is the ideal choice as attention and home comforts are in generous supply :)
Your Peace Of Mind
The decision about who to leave your pet with when you are out of town is not just about how your precious companion will cope - its about how you feel about things too.
Just because your dog is comfortable in a boarding kennel does not mean you will be!
Better to pay a little more for a pet sitter and enjoy peace of mind whilst on your holidays than spend your entire vacation worrying about what your pet is doing.
Another plus to pet sitters is that they will be happy to keep in touch with you via text, email and sometimes facebook so that you can see photos of how your baby is doing. This is a big plus for anxious owners!
Price
Budget certainly comes into play when it comes to choosing where your pet should go.
Boarding kennels and catteries are generally pretty cost effective and so if you are on a tight budget than this would be your best option.
Pet sitters and boarders are generally quite a bit more expensive - you should expect this as you are paying for what is essentially a luxury service.
Whatever your choice it could be worth setting aside a little money each week so that when the time for your holiday comes you have the funds ready. You should also expect to pay a deposit to secure your booking.
Dispelling The Myths
Some owners have heard horror stories about kennels and catteries and whilst its true that some pets have had bad experiences - the majority of establishments are excellent.
Gone are the days of damp, old wooden kennels with grubby bedding. Most kennels / catteries are now spacious, heated and comfortable - as well as clean.
Some people also think that their dog will be neglected whilst in a boarding kennels. Whilst its true that they probably wont have as much undivided attention as they would at home (if you are an owner who spends a lot of time with your dog or cat), they are given plenty of exercise - usually either in a secure play area where they can socialize and have a romp with other dogs, or by being taken for several walks per day.
If you are concerned and really want to know what its like then you should try visiting the boarding kennels unexpectedly. Additionally you could search online for reviews and speak to owners who have used the establishment.
Pros Of Kennels & Catteries
Cost effective
Safe
Usually have availability
Good for dogs with behavioural issues
Pros Of Pet Sitters & Boarders
Luxury service
Regular updates & photos
More attention
Ideal for older or more needy pets
WIN A SULTRY CAT NECKLACE
For all you lovely cat people here is a competition you will love.
Check out this fab rhinestone cat pendant and chain and enter to win. Best wishes!
Check out this fab rhinestone cat pendant and chain and enter to win. Best wishes!
Friday, February 13, 2015
Win A Pair Of Scottie Dog Earrings
I am really excited to be launching my very first competition.
You can win a cute pair of scottie dog earrings by completing the rafflecopter tasks below.
UK RESIDENTS ONLY.
You can win a cute pair of scottie dog earrings by completing the rafflecopter tasks below.
UK RESIDENTS ONLY.
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Parrot Toys On A Budget
For those of us who are owned by a parrot it's a well known fact that purchasing toys for them can be expensive.
I have found that even if they are reasonably long lasting and tough, Henry, my Amazon parrot soon gets bored of them. There have also been several occasions when I have purchased some rather costly items and he has totally ignored them. So after some research, trial and error and suggestions from other owners I have put together a few ideas of how to keep parrots entertained on a budget.
Not only are these suggestions cheap and cheerful, but they are safe and make fun little projects too.
For those of you who still prefer to go shopping I have also added some links to reliable toy stockists that I have found to be competitively priced and reliable.
DIY CARGO NET
Many parrots love to climb and so cargo nets are often a great addition to any cage or bird room.
They are relatively simple to make and all you really need is sisal rope.
I do think it important to emphasize that sisal rope is the best option as other string and twine can be dangerous. I have seen birds become badly tangled in string products which has sadly resulted in amputation and even death. Sisal is a natural product and very safe.
It's also fairly inexpensive if you purchase from the right stockist. The natural colour is the cheapest but you can also get the coloured options if you want to make something a little more funky!
Sisal rope also varies in size so you can buy according to the size of your parrot.
It is usually sold by the meter. Below is a link to an ebay stockist.
Cardboard Tubes
If your parrot loves to shred things then this could be just perfect for him.
Carpet retailers are very happy to give these away as they are what carpets are rolled on. You can often find them in skips around the back of the stores. Just please ask before you take them.
They are actually quite long but you can easily cut them down to size and your feathered friend will have a ball getting stuck in. Each piece should last a fair while too as they are pretty tough!
Pine Cone Toys
Many pet stores sell parrot toys made from pine cones and charge a high price for them too! Why not make your own. Some thin sisal rope with a pine cone hanging from it may just equal hours of fun for your bird.
You can collect them for free from woods and local parks. You could even collect them when you go on holiday and keep a stash of them.
Cardboard & Shoe Boxes
Ever noticed how when you buy a child a present he or she ends up spending more time playing with the box? Parrots are similar so make use of this free commodity.
Supermarkets are happy to give them away and who of us doesn't have a shoe box or two hanging about around the house?
Simply fill a box with pine cones, newspaper, almonds and favourite treats and let your parrot get stuck into destroying it.
The down side is that you will have a mess to clean up but it's something we parrot owners are very used to anyway!
Foraging Bags & Boxes
Zoe Danielle Doubleday makes these cute toys for her parrot. Here is what she said:
"A cardboard box or sweet bag, fill with shredded paper you can buy or your birds create for you a few nuts and treats and any bits off old toys, hang up or place somewhere. I made loads for the aviary birds at our local shelter."
What parrot in his or her right mind would not enjoy getting stuck into these little babies!
Simply fill a sweet bag with shredded paper and treats and then tie up with sisal and away he goes!
The sweet bags are very inexpensive at just 99p for 100. You can buy from ebay. Below is a sample link:
You could also make some for local bird sanctuaries like Zoe does!
Spoon Toys
Lots of pet stores sell parrot toys made out of dessert spoons and teaspoons. Why not make your own?
Some parrots love just throwing a spoon about due to the sound it makes.
Recycle Old Toys
Rather than throwing old or rejected toys away consider breaking them up and using their parts to make new ones. You will get more and more creative as you go. It's still a bit of trial and error but good fun!
Baby Toys
I am a big fan of buying baby toys for my parrot. I have found that they are much stronger and safer than pet toys.
I spend hours looking on ebay for baby rattles and have picked up some great bargains.
You can also buy them from carboot sales.
Please be sure to clean and disinfect them with a bird safe formula first though.
Below are some photos of toys that I have purchased for Henry. He favours foot toys so I tend to go for baby rattles.
I paid just £2.95 for all four of these brand new baby toys (above) ! You can purchase them at the link below.
If You Still Prefer To Buy New
For those who still feel more comfortable purchasing parrot toys from pet retailers, here are some links to good stockists that I have found to be reliable.
1. Scarlett's Parrot Essentials.
You can find pretty much everything you need for your bird here as well as some really good quality foods.
The prices are slightly cheaper than other places but do bear in mind that postage is always about £5 which can be very expensive depending on how small your order is.
Delivery is always very quick and Scarlett, the business owner, is very helpful. These are genuine "bird people" so you can be sure you are speaking to and dealing with someone in the know.
Here is a link to Scarlett's Parrot Essentials:
2. Northern Parrots
I love Northern Parrots. Their products are slightly more expensive than scarlett's but as mentioned above it really depends how large or small your order is as postage here is cheaper.
They have a wide selection of toys and there are plenty of reviews on them them buyers which helps you to see which ones are good value for money. This is something which Scarlett's has yet to develop although the option to leave a review is there - it's just that no one really has yet bothered.
I have noticed that the seed available at Northen Parrots is not as good quality is the Avian Specific available at Scarlett's. A good tell tale sign is whether or not monkey nuts are present in the mix - there are in nearly all the choices at Northern Parrots which is not good as they can be dangerous to birds.
Another plus to Northern Parrots is that they are quick to deliver. They even put freebies and samples in with your order which is always fun. This is something that Scarlett's should aim to do as it helps build good relations with clients.
Northern Parrots are also on TopCashBack so if you like to shop and save its ideal.
Below is a link to Northern Parrots:
I have not been paid for either of these recommendations or for any of the links. They are my own options and experiences and have been included for your convenience.
Thanks to all the people on Problem Parrots extra for their help and suggestions including:
Teri Humber
Scotty Dunkley
Gordon Brightey
Zoe Danielle Doubleday
Simon Price
Thanks for reading :)
Friday, February 6, 2015
DO YOU KNOW THE DANGERS OF RAWHIDE CHEWS
Rawhide treats are commonly available in pet shops and supermarkets. They are affordable and due to the fact that many trusted suppliers stock them owners associate them as being safe for their dogs.
I was one of them! I used to buy rawhide shoes and sticks for my dachshund puppy all the time - Soon learned my lesson!
First a little about these products:
Rawhide chews and bones are made from the inner layers of cow or horse hides. They are cleaned and cut into various shapes and sometimes flavoured to make them more appealing.
Many owners are encouraged to give these products to their dogs to strengthen and clean their teeth through chewing.
They also are considered to be a low fat, low calorie ,cost effective and long lasting treat.
The facts about rawhide chew products:
There are many horror stories about the use of toxic chemicals including arsenic and chrome as preservatives. No doubt that this does have some truth to it but in my research I have not been able to find any concrete proof .
What I did find however was evidence of bacterial contamination. Many rawhide chews, including ones supplied by trusted UK retailers are made in Thailand and China. Tests were done on these imported products by UK health authorities and a high percentage were found to be contaminated with Salmonella. In short the cleaning processes that the products had been subjected to were not enough the kill the bug.
As you may already know this is an extremely dangerous bug and pets certainly can become very ill once infected. Additionally, Salmonellosis is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans.
A serious concern for owners who also have children. Always check where the product you are going to buy was made.
Another danger of rawhide chews is that of choking. I know this from experience. As mentioned at the outset , I was also led to believe that these products were safe and good for my dog. I was horrified, however when my dachshund nearly choked to death on a piece of a rawhide shoe. She had been chewing it for a little while and she had got it to the stage where it was tough yet moist. As she was chewing it it went back her throat and was unable to bring it back up. My father literally had to put his fingers down her throat and pull it out. Needless to say - we never gave her rawhide again. To this day it is banned from our house!
Many owners have experienced similar problems with their dog choking on rawhide. The risk is especially high with puppies and greedy dogs.
Hopefully this article will be enough to convince you to look for alternatives.
Better safe than sorry!
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
SPAYING - THE ISSUES AND ETHICS
Neutering and spaying dogs is classed by many owners as an every day procedure and in all honesty is drilled into people as an automatic choice if they do not wish to breed from their pet.
I do feel it is important however to draw attention to the ethical and welfare issues involved as they are so often overlooked.
Animals have absolutely no choice in the matter and rely on us to make good decisions for them so it is only fair to think of things from their perspective too and weigh the pros and cons of the operation.
Please note that this article is written on the assumption that the dog in question is healthy and does not need the surgery for medical or life saving reasons. This article also primarily focuses on female dogs and its purpose is not to judge or promote either spaying or non-spaying. It is about looking at things from a different angle.
1. WHAT IS REALLY INVOLVED IN THE OPERATION:
Spaying a bitch is a procedure known as ovariohysterectomy.
First of all the dog will be given a routine check up to ensure she is fit and well enough for the operation.
After she is anesthetized the skin around her tummy is shaved and disinfected thoroughly to prevent infection and contamination.
An incision of approximately 3-5 inches in length is made near the umbilicus (tummy button). Once the skin has been cut the surgeon will then cut into the subcutaneous layer (the tissue underneath the skin). Any bleeds are clamped or cauterized.
Next the linea alba is cut. This is an area of muscle.
Underneath the abdominal organs and fat is the uterus. A spay hook may be used to pull one of the uterine horns out of the incision. This can be used to trace the location of the ovary. Great care must be taken to avoid injury to the kidneys and other organs.
Clamps are used to prevent bleeding and hemorrhage Then the clamped off ovaries are removed from the cavity.
The cervix is then pulled out of the abdomen and clamped off. The body of the uterus and ovaries are then cut away.
Sutures are placed and the cervix is put back into the abdomen cavity.
The layers mentioned above are then stitched up or sutured.
A pain injection is administered and usually the dog is able to go home the same day.
The dog will likely be sleepy and groggy until the following morning.
2. REASONS FOR SPAYING:
As mentioned above this article is not referring to animals who are being spayed for medical reasons or where measures are being taken to preserve its life.
Many owners simply do not want to be bothered with the "mess" of bitches in season and so prefer to have the dog spayed.
Others are told by experts and professionals that it is the right thing to do and that they are some how bad or irresponsible if they do not have the procedure carried out.
Another reason is that some owners have both male and female dogs and do not want unplanned litters of pups.
Then there are individuals who believe it is better for their dog's health if they are spayed.
3. THE FACTS AND RISKS:
Many vets and experts encourage early spaying of bitches but reports have shown that this may not be in your dog's best interests.
A veterinary medical database search from 1982-1995 showed that in dogs with heart tumors, the relative risk for spayed females was over four times that of intact females.
For one particular form of heart tumor spayed females had a greater than five times risk compared to non spayed females.
The risk for bone cancer was doubled in large purebred spayed females.
Studies conducted in the 90's found that females who were spayed prior to 1 year of age grew significantly taller then those who were not spayed or who were spayed after their first year. This is because estrogen promotes skeletal maturation and proper development.
Studies have also shown that spayed females and castrated males (carried out at an early age) have a higher risk of hip dysplasia.
Urinary incontinence is common in spayed bitches. Thyroid problems can also be caused as well as obesity issues.
Behavioural changes are also known due to changes in hormones.
As mentioned above certain types of cancers are also more of a risk for spayed bitches. Types include bone cancer , spleen cancer , urinary tract cancer and bladder cancer.
On the plus side spaying can also reduce the risk of some types of cancer such as uterine and mammary cancer and can also reduce the risk of infections like pyometra (uterine infection).
Spaying also prevents unwanted pregnancy.
Contrary to what many owners believe spaying does not calm bitches down. If anything it could make a formerly placid bitch more dominant and aggressive as spaying stops the production of progesterone which is a calming hormone and a serotonin up lifter.
It is important to realize that all surgeries come with risks so there is a possibility that something will go wrong and your dog may not make it through the procedure although this is fairly rare in healthy dogs.
ETHICS:
After reading the facts about spaying its only fair to stop and think about what your reasons really are for spaying. If it is simply a matter of not wanting pups then although this is a good reason - if you do not have males with females and you are responsible in that you do not let your dog out to roam the streets then other measures can be taken to keep her safe. If you are seriously in doubt that you can keep males away then certainly spaying is advised.
If health reasons are your main concern then as we have seen above there are many pros and cons to having the procedure. Would it be better for your dog to remain in a natural state than to unnaturally have her reproductive organs removed?
As for owners who do not like cleaning up mess from seasons every six months it is worth considering if you are really ready for dog ownership as dogs can be messy at all times of the year - in season or not in season.
Muddy paws , dirty coats and shedding are all every day aspects of dog ownership. Having a bitch in season is not really that big a deal. Special nappies can be purchased to prevent soiling of carpets etc.
It is fair to say that if your sole reason for spaying is that you do not like mess then the operation could be viewed by many as mutilation and therefore highly unethical.
Is it really the right thing to do? will it make you a "good" owner? Maybe, but being a good dog owner also involves being informed and doing what is in the best interests of your pet. Spaying is not always the right or ethical choice.
Think for a moment: what are the effects of similar operations on human women? how does it effect their hormones and over all health? Is it reasonable to think that such a major operation will have no similar effects on your dog?
CONCLUSION:
The purpose of this article is not to discourage spaying or neutering of dogs nor is it to judge those who have had or are planning to have their pet neutered. It is to educate owners and encourage them to look at all the facts before trustingly sending their dog to have a major operation that will alter them permanently and irreversibly.
Everyone should be informed thoroughly before making such a big decision. It is not a minor insignificant procedure as many people and organizations would have you believe.
Educate yourself on the facts first and make sure you thoroughly examine your reasons for putting your dog through any type of medical procedure as they too have to live with the resulting consequences and health problems or benefits and they cannot easily communicate to you how they feel emotionally or mentally.
I do feel it is important however to draw attention to the ethical and welfare issues involved as they are so often overlooked.
Animals have absolutely no choice in the matter and rely on us to make good decisions for them so it is only fair to think of things from their perspective too and weigh the pros and cons of the operation.
Please note that this article is written on the assumption that the dog in question is healthy and does not need the surgery for medical or life saving reasons. This article also primarily focuses on female dogs and its purpose is not to judge or promote either spaying or non-spaying. It is about looking at things from a different angle.
1. WHAT IS REALLY INVOLVED IN THE OPERATION:
Spaying a bitch is a procedure known as ovariohysterectomy.
First of all the dog will be given a routine check up to ensure she is fit and well enough for the operation.
After she is anesthetized the skin around her tummy is shaved and disinfected thoroughly to prevent infection and contamination.
An incision of approximately 3-5 inches in length is made near the umbilicus (tummy button). Once the skin has been cut the surgeon will then cut into the subcutaneous layer (the tissue underneath the skin). Any bleeds are clamped or cauterized.
Next the linea alba is cut. This is an area of muscle.
Underneath the abdominal organs and fat is the uterus. A spay hook may be used to pull one of the uterine horns out of the incision. This can be used to trace the location of the ovary. Great care must be taken to avoid injury to the kidneys and other organs.
Clamps are used to prevent bleeding and hemorrhage Then the clamped off ovaries are removed from the cavity.
The cervix is then pulled out of the abdomen and clamped off. The body of the uterus and ovaries are then cut away.
Sutures are placed and the cervix is put back into the abdomen cavity.
The layers mentioned above are then stitched up or sutured.
A pain injection is administered and usually the dog is able to go home the same day.
The dog will likely be sleepy and groggy until the following morning.
2. REASONS FOR SPAYING:
As mentioned above this article is not referring to animals who are being spayed for medical reasons or where measures are being taken to preserve its life.
Many owners simply do not want to be bothered with the "mess" of bitches in season and so prefer to have the dog spayed.
Others are told by experts and professionals that it is the right thing to do and that they are some how bad or irresponsible if they do not have the procedure carried out.
Another reason is that some owners have both male and female dogs and do not want unplanned litters of pups.
Then there are individuals who believe it is better for their dog's health if they are spayed.
3. THE FACTS AND RISKS:
Many vets and experts encourage early spaying of bitches but reports have shown that this may not be in your dog's best interests.
A veterinary medical database search from 1982-1995 showed that in dogs with heart tumors, the relative risk for spayed females was over four times that of intact females.
For one particular form of heart tumor spayed females had a greater than five times risk compared to non spayed females.
The risk for bone cancer was doubled in large purebred spayed females.
Studies conducted in the 90's found that females who were spayed prior to 1 year of age grew significantly taller then those who were not spayed or who were spayed after their first year. This is because estrogen promotes skeletal maturation and proper development.
Studies have also shown that spayed females and castrated males (carried out at an early age) have a higher risk of hip dysplasia.
Urinary incontinence is common in spayed bitches. Thyroid problems can also be caused as well as obesity issues.
Behavioural changes are also known due to changes in hormones.
As mentioned above certain types of cancers are also more of a risk for spayed bitches. Types include bone cancer , spleen cancer , urinary tract cancer and bladder cancer.
On the plus side spaying can also reduce the risk of some types of cancer such as uterine and mammary cancer and can also reduce the risk of infections like pyometra (uterine infection).
Spaying also prevents unwanted pregnancy.
Contrary to what many owners believe spaying does not calm bitches down. If anything it could make a formerly placid bitch more dominant and aggressive as spaying stops the production of progesterone which is a calming hormone and a serotonin up lifter.
It is important to realize that all surgeries come with risks so there is a possibility that something will go wrong and your dog may not make it through the procedure although this is fairly rare in healthy dogs.
ETHICS:
After reading the facts about spaying its only fair to stop and think about what your reasons really are for spaying. If it is simply a matter of not wanting pups then although this is a good reason - if you do not have males with females and you are responsible in that you do not let your dog out to roam the streets then other measures can be taken to keep her safe. If you are seriously in doubt that you can keep males away then certainly spaying is advised.
If health reasons are your main concern then as we have seen above there are many pros and cons to having the procedure. Would it be better for your dog to remain in a natural state than to unnaturally have her reproductive organs removed?
As for owners who do not like cleaning up mess from seasons every six months it is worth considering if you are really ready for dog ownership as dogs can be messy at all times of the year - in season or not in season.
Muddy paws , dirty coats and shedding are all every day aspects of dog ownership. Having a bitch in season is not really that big a deal. Special nappies can be purchased to prevent soiling of carpets etc.
It is fair to say that if your sole reason for spaying is that you do not like mess then the operation could be viewed by many as mutilation and therefore highly unethical.
Is it really the right thing to do? will it make you a "good" owner? Maybe, but being a good dog owner also involves being informed and doing what is in the best interests of your pet. Spaying is not always the right or ethical choice.
Think for a moment: what are the effects of similar operations on human women? how does it effect their hormones and over all health? Is it reasonable to think that such a major operation will have no similar effects on your dog?
CONCLUSION:
The purpose of this article is not to discourage spaying or neutering of dogs nor is it to judge those who have had or are planning to have their pet neutered. It is to educate owners and encourage them to look at all the facts before trustingly sending their dog to have a major operation that will alter them permanently and irreversibly.
Everyone should be informed thoroughly before making such a big decision. It is not a minor insignificant procedure as many people and organizations would have you believe.
Educate yourself on the facts first and make sure you thoroughly examine your reasons for putting your dog through any type of medical procedure as they too have to live with the resulting consequences and health problems or benefits and they cannot easily communicate to you how they feel emotionally or mentally.
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