Should I Breed My Dog? Most shelters and rescue organizations are overflowing with mixed breed and purebred dogs that are perfectly friendly and adoptable, but there simply aren’t enough homes for them. As a result, approximately three to four million unwanted dogs and cats are euthanized each year, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Producing more puppies, for any other reason than to improve the breed, just exacerbates the problem. Dogs that have temperament problems, such as aggression or excessively submissive behavior, should not be bred. Dogs that have inherited medical conditions, such as hip dysplasia, also should not be bred. What’s Involved in Raising a Litter? Before you breed your dog, honestly consider if you have the time, commitment, and finances required to raise a litter. Ask yourself the following questions:
What Are My Responsibilities as a Breeder? Good breeders take responsibility for their puppies not just until they find a new home, but for a lifetime. Reputable breeders:
There are always potential risks associated with pregnancy and birth, especially with very young or very old dogs. Whether you breed your dog or not, spaying or neutering can help eliminate some potential health problems. Female dogs that are spayed are less likely to develop breast cancer and pyometra, an infection of the uterus that requires emergency surgery. Male dogs that are neutered are less likely to develop testicular cancer. Certain types of aggression are also less likely to occur in dogs that are spayed or neutered.
Should I Breed My Cat? Most shelters and rescue organizations are overflowing with mixed breed and purebred cats that are perfectly friendly and adoptable, but there simply aren’t enough homes for them. As a result, approximately three to four million unwanted dogs and cats are euthanized each year, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Producing more kittens just exacerbates the current cat overpopulation problem. What’s Involved in Raising a Litter? Before you breed your cat, honestly consider if you have the time, commitment, and finances required to raise a litter. Ask yourself the following questions:
What Are My Responsibilities as a Breeder? Good breeders take responsibility for their kittens not just until they find a new home, but for a lifetime. Reputable breeders:
Are There Any Health Risks Involved With Breeding? There are always potential risks associated with pregnancy and birth, especially with very young or very old cats. Whether you breed your cat or not, spaying or neutering can help eliminate some potential health and behavior problems. Female cats that are spayed don’t develop uterine cancer and uterine infections; they are also less likely to develop breast cancer, and they also won’t subject you to yowling heat cycles and unwanted litters. Male cats that are neutered are less likely to urine mark in the house or roam the neighborhood looking for fights. |
AuthorDr. Carlson is an avid contributor to her blog, make sure you check out her articles! Archives
March 2019
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