First of all, The Critters & Me does not take a rigid stand on either side of the spay/neuter debate.  We feel that performing the procedure or not performing it both have their place and there is no absolute right or wrong when it comes to this subject.   We all know that it is a useful means of preventing the proliferation of unwanted puppies and kittens.  This applies not only to strays that end up in the shelters but also those animals with loving homes.  But as always our main concern is the long-term health and well being of the animals.  This is a perspective that we share with our friends at Dogs Naturally Magazine and Dana Scott, Founder and Editor in Chief, has written an article that documents the influence of the surgery on a pet’s health.  The article is well documented with studies and veterinarian’s experience.  It also presents alternatives that achieve the same results with less dramatic influences on a pet’s health. 

If you have a puppy or kitten or have recently adopted an intact pet you might want to consider the perspective shared in this article before finalizing your decision to spay or neuter.  You are also welcome to stop by on Tuesdays to discuss the subject with Laura if you have time.  There is, however, one strong recommendation that we would make.  In addition to educating yourself on the subject, we would not recommend that the procedure be performed on very young animals because the sexual hormones play such a vital role in the growth and development of all parts of the animal.  Regardless of “If” or “When” you spay/neuter your pet, know that there are homeopathic remedies that are very useful in assisting the healing process.  There are also excellent Standard Process supplements for helping to balance the hormones and support a healthy immune system.  We stock both the homeopathics and supplements for your convenience.  Please see our previous post on homeopathic remedies for spay/neuter and vaccine recovery. 

Please read the article from Dogs Naturally Magazine, do some research and then make the best decision you can make. Thank you for taking the time to consider your pet’s long term health and well being as part of your decision process. 

Click on the link below to go the article: 

http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/spay-neuter-and-joint-disease/