Here's why pet owners need to sterilise their pets
According to the Durban & Coast SPCA, the following are reasons why pet owners should sterilise their pets:
More pleasant for the pet owner
Since your female dog will not come into season (on heat), there will be no mess from spotting (traces of blood left on bedding or carpets). In addition, you won't be bothered by males howling and fighting outside your gate, or trying to get into your property to mate with her.
Your pet will enjoy a longer, healthier life
Spaying eliminates the risk of uterine or ovarian cancer, and substantially reduces the chance of your dog or cat developing breast cancer. Neutering male dogs and cats has similar health benefits. It reduces the chance of prostate cancer and eliminates testicular cancer.
Your pet will be more loving
A dog that has been spayed or neutered is calmer, less aggressive, and more affectionate towards its owners, because it is not distracted by hormonal urges. Sterilisation does not affect a dog's ability to learn or play, nor will it make him, or her, less protective of your home and family.
Eliminates or reduces unwanted behaviour
Neutering male dogs and cats reduces aggressive behaviour and the urge to roam in search of a mate. Pets that are content to stay at home are less likely to be hit by a car, get into fights with other animals, spread disease, disturb neighbours by howling or barking, or bite someone. Cats are less likely to 'spray' inside and outside your home to mark their territory with strong-smelling urine.
Timeframe to get your pet sterilised
As a pet owner, normally you want to have your female pet spayed before the first estrous cycle, ie, before she goes on heat. This is usually around six months for cats and small dogs. At the SPCA, all animals are sterilised before being re-homed, from eight weeks upwards. Large breed dogs may need more time to reach full size before being sterilised, but it should be done before they turn one. Speak to your vet about your intention to have your pet sterilised and discuss the timing with them.
If you cannot afford the cost of sterilisation by a private vet, contact your nearest SPCA to see if you qualify for special rates. Should you adopt a dog or cat from the SPCA, the animal will be sterilised before you are allowed to take it home
Information was obtained from: https://spcadbn.org.za/blog/pet-sterilisation-5-compelling-reasons/
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts!
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
21 hours ago
- The Citizen
Cupcakes of Hope spread hope one cupcake at a time
SWEET treats with the power to help raise funds for children fighting cancer – this is how NPO Cupcakes 4 Kids with Cancer gives back to the community's most vulnerable. Also read: Cupcakes of Hope raises funds for childhood cancer The NPO is partnering with paediatrician, Dr Melissa Chettiar, on September 2, to sell delicious cupcakes at Kingsway Medical Centre, Suite 104 on the first floor. She explained that statistics from the SA Registry for Cancer record a rate of around 1000 new cases per year of childhood cancers in children under 16, pointing to a disturbing rise in cases. She said she has had cases where she diagnosed young children with cancer. 'These are heartbreaking cases. I just want to create awareness among the public, so I partnered with Cupcakes 4 Kids with Cancer last year, and again this year. It's an amazing initiative that raises funds for parents of children with cancer for transport and medical costs. This money is a tremendous help for parents, because chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other treatment is so expensive. Many parents cannot afford it,' said Melissa. She said that she supports such initiatives 100% and hopes the rest of the doctors at Kingsway Medical Centre can support it as well. Cupcakes are sold at R20 each, 4 for R60 or 6 for R100, and proceeds go towards funds for transport and medical costs for children with cancer. For more information, contact Shyanne Kanayee on 079 343 2791 or Adel Naidoo on 072 090 8877. What to look out for: It is important to pick up early warning signs, as the earlier the diagnosis, the better. Lumps or swellings on the body. Easy bruising and bleeding of the gums. Bleeding in or swelling of the joints. Headaches, loss of vision. A healthy child who starts having difficulty walking. Unexplained fever or weight loss over a period of time. It is important to visit a general practitioner or paediatrician for an early assessment if your child exhibits the above symptoms. For more South Coast Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
The South African
2 days ago
- The South African
South African universities combat period poverty
The Clicks Helping Hand Trust (CHHT), in partnership with the MENstruation Foundation, officially launched an important new initiative. This initiative aims to tackle period poverty at universities across South Africa. The University of the Western Cape (UWC) launched the Students on the Go campaign on 7 August. It aims to ensure students have access to free sanitary products so they can attend classes and study without interruption. A significant R2 million has been invested by CHHT to install 30 token-operated sanitary pad dispensers across five universities nationwide. Fourteen of these dispensers are already active at UWC across its Main, Community and Health Sciences, Dentistry and Mitchell's Plain campuses. The project ultimately seeks to benefit over 16,300 young women every month by providing nearly 196,000 packs of free sanitary pads annually. 'This is not just a donation. This is a movement,' said Dhevan Pillay, Chairperson of Clicks Helping Hand Trust. 'Menstruation should never be a barrier to education. We want every student to learn, grow and thrive with confidence, dignity and pride.' The initiative targets universities including UWC, the University of the Witwatersrand, North-West University, the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and Nelson Mandela University. At UWC alone, the programme will support 8,400 students and help reclaim over half a million study days lost every year due to period poverty. Period poverty remains a major social and educational challenge in South Africa, according to NWU. Siv Ngesi, co-founder of the MENstruation Foundation, stressed its urgency: 'Twenty-two million women bleed every month in South Africa. Eight million women cannot afford sanitary pads. Of those, four million are students. This is a grave injustice. I'm proud to be part of this effort to end period poverty.' Professor Robert Balfour, UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor, underlined the importance of tangible support. 'Access to education must be material as well as formal. Students must participate fully, enthusiastically and meaningfully. Students on the Go takes a major step toward this by removing hygiene barriers.' Former UWC student and Women's Springbok rugby captain Babalwa Latsha also weighed in. 'Thank you to CHHT for saying to students, 'We see you, we support you, and we want you to win.'' Since its establishment in 2011, the Clicks Helping Hand Trust has donated over 750,000 packs of sanitary pads. This makes a lasting impact on the lives of young women nationwide. The Students on the Go initiative stands as a powerful commitment to ending period poverty in South Africa. This ensures that no student's education is compromised by a lack of access to basic menstrual hygiene products. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Take a swing in Mount Edgecombe to save a life
Take a swing in Mount Edgecombe to save a life GOLFERS and corporates are being called to swing into action for a meaningful cause at the SA Bone Marrow Registry's (SABMR) fourth annual charity golf day, set for September 26 at the Mt Edgecombe Country Club, the Lakes. Also read: Running towards purpose, passion, wellness More than just a friendly round of golf, the event aims to raise vital funds for the SABMR's Patient Assistance Programme, which helps cover the cost of life-saving bone marrow stem cell transplants for vulnerable patients. 'This isn't just about golf, it's about giving someone a second chance at life. Every cent raised on the day goes directly towards helping patients who cannot afford the procedures they urgently need,' said Kapil Premchand, KZN SABMR sustainability co-ordinator. This year's goal is to support three patients from KZN who have been diagnosed and are in desperate need of stem cell transplants. Players and supporters can contribute by entering a fourball team at R3750, sponsoring a hole, donating prizes, or simply making a pledge. The day includes a full golfing experience with welcome drinks, lunch, a sit-down dinner, an exciting auction, and a celebratory prize-giving ceremony. 'Expect some incredible items on auction – from signed sports memorabilia and luxury getaways to lifestyle vouchers and exclusive experiences. There's also an online auction powered by AUCOR Auctioneers launching a week ahead of the event,' Premchand added. With proceeds going directly to patients in need, Premchand said the event offers a unique opportunity for participants to 'play a round and save a life'. Bookings close on September 25, and spaces are limited. To book or get involved, contact Kapil Premchand at [email protected] or call 072 778 5670. For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook, X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
