The Importance of Spaying/Neutering Your Pets

Anyone who adopts a pet from PAWS Rescue will have one very important thing accomplished - their pet will already be spayed or neutered.  Spaying and neutering animals is a very important process for pet owners. The most obvious benefit for spaying and neutering is avoiding unwanted litters.  The Humane Society of the U.S. estimates that between 6 - 8 million homeless animals enter shelters across the U.S. every year.  This is a result of irresponsible pet owners refusing to spay or neuter their animals resulting in massive over population.  

Aside from the very obvious reason to prevent over-population, there are several little known reasons to spay and neuter your pets.  

• Animals are more relaxed and less anxious.  Anxiety exhibits itself in animals with hyperactivity, aggression, and other common behavioral problems.  
• Increased life expectancy.  Spaying decreases uterine infection and lessens the risk of mammary cancer in females.  Neutering foils the chance of getting testicular and prostate cancer.  

A FEW FACTS ABOUT DOG BEHAVIOR:

Most bites to humans are by UN-NEUTERED MALES.

The largest percentage of roaming dogs are UN-NEUTERED MALES.

The largest incidence of dog to dog aggression is in UN-NEUTERED MALES. 

(Facts found on: http://www.diamondsintheruff.com/whyspayneuter.html)

ACCORDING TO THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES:

• 5 million dogs and cats are killed yearly in U.S. shelters. That is 13,800 every day or 575 dogs and cats killed every hour, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• In six years, one female dog and her off spring can theoretically be the source of 67,000 dogs.
• In seven years, one female cat and her off spring can theoretically be the source of 420,000 cats.

(Facts found on : http://community.gorge.net/prod/spayneuter.html)

In the words of Bob Barker, "Help control the pet population.  Have your pets spayed or neutered."

Just one Dog....

The story of how you can make a difference for just one dog....

What happens after adoption?

PAWS Rescue is committed to working hard and finding adoptive forever homes for all dogs we bring into our care.  We've had dogs from a few days to several months.  The time and care that we put into these animals will be most apparent when they are eventually adopted.  There will most likely be some anxiety and confusion on the part of a dog for several days until they are used to their new environment.

Adopting a dog in a big responsibility.  Are you prepared to add this responsibility to your family?  Read our article here to help you decide.  Once you have decided that you are ready for this added responsibility, there are several things you need to be prepared.  Food, bowls, a leash and collar, bed, and maybe a few toys are a necessity.  You might also consider whether a crate is needed based on the dog/puppy you are adopting.  

After your new pet is home, they will mostly likely be very confused and unsure of what is happening to them.  It is important to remain calm and loving with them while also providing them with the structure and discipline they need to know that you are going to keep them safe.   Your pet's foster family will most likely tell you what brand of food they have been eating.  We highly recommend starting them at your home with the same diet as to decrease any sickness or stomach upset that might occur.  Once your pet has had a chance to adjust, you can slowly change their diet to one that you prefer.  If your pet does get stomach upset such as vomiting and/or diarrhea, you can simply boil chicken with rice and feed them small portions until they are back to normal.

From the very beginning you want to remain consistent with your new pet.  Take them out to a regular spot to use the restroom at regular times.  Establish the rules from the beginning.  Give firm corrections but not harsh.  Giving lots of love and attention and frequent walks will help reassure your pet that you are going to take care of them and respect them and they can look up to you and feel safe.

         

Keep in mind the first few weeks of adopting a pet can be a little uneasy. Accidents will occur and things may not always go as planned, but please remember to be tolerant with your new pet. Give them at least 2-3 weeks to adjust to their new environment.  If possible seek out the services of a professional trainer to help ease the transition for both you and your new friend.  It is also uncomfortable on the pet to adjust and become familiar with a new home and owners. 

Save a life, adopt a pet!

The fun side of Adoption

Thanks to the Public Relations Class of GMU for making such a fun video and keeping our blog up to date.  Couldn't have done it without you!!