Reply to Listener Comments on – Puppy Periods – My Dog in Heat (Spaying and Neutering Your Pets)

So I got a TON of comments on my blog yesterday and on Facebook about my dog Harley going into heat and I wanted to respond here. The main thing that several people have brought up (above is only one comment) was why is my dog not spayed by now to prevent this problem? Well I would like to first mention it is NOT everyone's choice to spay or neuter their pet, I believe that is a personal choice for each individual pet owner, but in my case I do want to spay my dog and I have not had her very long so I actually DID have an appointment to have her spayed this month, but I found that it is not good for your pets to get them spayed while in heat... so I've got to wait for her time of the month ENTIRE MONTH to be over...

BUT, Amanda does have a great point about getting pets fixed, so I reached out to Penny at the Capital Area Humane Society for tips/faqs about having your animals spayed or neutered and here is what she sent me via the Anti-Cruelty Society on getting your pets spayed/neutered:

• Spayed or neutered pets are typically better behaved, calmer, and more affectionate than those that are not altered.
• Male animals are less likely to mark their territory by urinating or spraying and less likely to run away in an attempt to find a female. This does not, however, mean you should leave your neutered animal outside unattended.
• Spaying an animal eliminates their heat cycle and the undesirable elements of it
• Want to take your dog to that fun dog park down the street or the daycare around the corner? Then your dog needs to be spayed or neutered, as most dog parks and daycares require it.
• Every year, approximately 4 million animals, the vast majority of which are medically and behaviorally adoptable, are euthanized. By spaying or neutering your pet, you are directly helping to reduce this number.
• Due to the fact that it helps reduce the incidence of some of the most common types of cancers (breast, uterine, prostate, and testicular), your animal is likely to live a longer and healthier life.
• Spaying and neutering decreases the number of stray animals, which results in a decrease in animal bites (to both humans and pets), car accidents, and destruction to property.
• Spayed and neutered animals get along better with each other and exhibit less aggression issues toward animals of the same gender.

If you'd like more information on getting your pet spayed or neutered, visit the Capital Area Humane Society's website for the Spay/Neuter Clinic HERE.

Oh and again... if you missed me trying to put a diaper on my dog Harley last night... click HERE to see the video!