The What, the Why, and the Benefits of Sterilizing Our Pets

Sterilizing a pet involves a one-time surgical procedure to remove part of its reproductive organs. This permanently prevents the pet from reproducing.

Sterilization is most commonly carried out on dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs from the age of six months and upwards. Males have their testicles removed; females have their ovaries and uterus removed.

The surgery is performed by licensed veterinarians, and the animal is under general anesthesia throughout. Most are back to normal in 24 to 48 hours after surgery.

Why Do We Sterilize Our Pets?

The most pressing reason for sterilization is to prevent unwanted young from being born. There are already more than enough abandoned animals in the world, so sterilizing pets helps control the situation.

You may be responsible owner with no intention of breeding your pet, but "accidents" do happen. Your pet may escape from home and mate outside; another animal may enter your home without your knowledge; or it may mate with someone else's pet at a pets-and-owners gathering!

The Benefits and Precautions

Besides preventing unwanted litters, sterilization affects pets' hormones so they become less likely to wander in search of a mate or behave aggressively. They are also less prone to disease such as womb infections, and mammary and testicular cancers.

Because sterilized pets often become more home-loving, they may gain weight because owners do not correspondingly reduce their feeds! So control your pet's food intake and give it more exercise. And watch for complications like loss of bladder control in older pets - this can be treated with medication.

Toys: Little Luxuries For Pets

Toys contribute to a pet's mental, emotional, and physical development, and play brightens up an animal's life too; so don't deprive your companion of the space, opportunity and tools for having fun.

Dogs and Cats

Dog or cat owners are lucky in the sense that pet stores are packed with toys for these two species. But as any human child can tell you, playing alone isn't always fun. Playtime means more to your pet if you join in, getting it to catch the toys, or search for hidden items. Use the toys as tools for fun interaction.

Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, and Chinchillas

Although rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas may not want to play tug-of-war or find-the-catnip with you, but they do enjoy being encouraged to find new ways to play. Offer them boxes to hide in and cardboard rolls to hop through, and be creative with enclose panels to set up a playpen that has different sections or levels to explore.

Hamsters, Gerbils, and Mice

Hamster, gerbils, and mice enjoy exercise wheels, roller balls, tube trails and even the cardboard core left behind after you finish a roll of toilet paper. Different levels and sections in the cages also give them opportunities to climb up and down.

Birds

Birds like a variety of perches set at different heights. Some also enjoy swinging by their beaks from rings or bars. Very tame birds can be let it out into a safe room daily for more exercise; otherwise, provide the largest enclosure possible.