westernplainsanimalrefuge.org

"We Just Want One Litter…"
by Jessica Braun, DVM

I truly hear this statement at least once daily.

"We just want one litter so our kids can experience the magic of birth (messy and painful!), because all of our friends want one of her puppies (usually until you have one to give them!), it will make her a better dog/cat (?—why would this be?)."

These are just some of the excuses I’ve heard to justify allowing a pet have a litter of puppies or kittens.

Here are the facts folks! Millions of animals are PUT TO DEATH in this country because people wanted to let their dog or cat have just one litter! Millions! Even if you have or find homes for all the puppies or kittens (anywhere from 1-15 little babies are possible), keep in mind that that was a home that may have rescued a pet and now won’t because they took one of yours. And what happens to the ones that you can’t find homes for?

"As humans, we chose to domesticate dogs and cats. As humans, we choose how to take care of the dogs and cats we domesticated. As humans, we are obligated to care for these animals and ease their suffering."

For most people, one of the reasons for wanting to breed their dog or cat is that they are a wonderful pet and you want to perpetuate that, right? That is a fabulous ideal. However, loving your pet so, you should realize that you are putting her at risk by breeding her. Even if she has no complications (worst case scenario is c-section and possible death of mom and pups or kittens), you are still putting her at increased risk for mammary (breast) cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and uterine infections. All of these conditions affect dogs and cats that ARE NOT spayed. And if you spay your dog or cat after their second heat cycle, you have missed the opportunity to prevent mammary cancer.

Older dogs and cats still benefit from being spayed or neutered. Like quitting smoking after years of being a smoker, their cancer risks are still greatly reduced by giving them the gift of this surgery.

There is no evidence, scientific or otherwise, that letting an animal have a litter alters their personality. Just as it is proven that the only personality trait altered by spaying is aggression!

As humans, we chose to domesticate dogs and cats. As humans, we choose how to take care of the dogs and cats we domesticated. As humans, we are obligated to care for these animals and ease their suffering.

The leading cause of death in domestic dogs and cats in this country is euthanasia in shelters because there are too many animals and not enough homes.

Jessica Braun, DVM is owner of Animal Health Center of Hays and the head veterinarian for Western Plains
Animal Refuge, a non-profit, no-kill animal shelter in Hays, Kansas. 
Reach her by email at drb@animalhealthcenterhays.com. Also visit www.westernplainsanimalrefuge.org.