In an effort to stem the growing issue of feral and abandoned animals in Canning, Greencross Vets Cannington and Victoria Park are cutting 20 per cent off the costs of desexing pets until the end of the month.
While the number of animals euthanised in Australia is difficult to exactly calculate, previous studies have listed a number of animal euthanised as close to 44,000, after being left unclaimed or abandoned.
Greencross Vets is urging the community to desex their pets, as it is an effective strategy to prevent unwanted pet pregnancies as well as providing health benefits for your pet.
Greencross Vets Cannington director Jade Ridsdale said she understood Canning residents only wanted the best for their pet and that was why they were recommending sexing to give them a better quality of life.
“Deciding on whether to have your pet desexed or not is a question that every pet parent asks,” she said.
“At Greencross Vets Cannington, we highly recommend desexing for all pets.
“Not only does it reduce animal homelessness and pressure on animal shelters, it can improve your pet’s behaviour, reduce aggression, prevent medical conditions and even improve the smell of your pet’s urine.”
Dr Ridsdale said the issues of behaviour, medical concerns and obviously unwanted pregnancies can be remedied through desexing.
“Each year, animal shelters across Australia take in approximately 160,000 animals nationally, many of which are the result of unplanned breeding,” she said.
“For male pets it may help to assist with several behavioural related issues such as minimising aggression problems in dogs and decreasing male cats urges to roam and fight with other cats.
“In both cats and dogs, male urine odour can be particularly strong and pungent. Desexing usually reduces this odour plus in most cases desexing will reduce or eliminate spraying in cats.”
Dr Ridsdale said the life of your pets could be extended through desexing as well, as issues like ovarian or mammary tumours could be prevented.
“In females it also prevents other medical conditions such as pyometra (uterus infection),” she said. “While for males, desexing, reduces the risk of prostatic diseases, perianal tumours and eliminates the risk of testicular cancers.”
