Spay/Neuter; Petunia; Flea and Tick Season
BEHAVIORAL and PHYSICAL EFFECTS OF SPAYING AND NEUTERING DOMESTIC DOGS is the title of a master’s thesis by Hunter College graduate student Parvene Farhoody that was included in PA Federation Digest #2035 by Julian Prager. The research rests largely on the Canine Behavior and Research Questionnaire created by Dr. James Serpell–reliable and valid! The results are interesting and provocative. Hopefully, it will slow the knee-jerk acceptance of this “benign” and “beneficial” surgery as the end-all-answer to many canine problems. After all, after more than 30 years of spay-neuter subsidies and banners we still have overpopulation, so clearly the surgery has not been a sufficient solution for this situation. Now there are reasons to suspect that there are other weaknesses in this over-hyped panacea.
According to the abstract included in the Federation Digest, “Behavioral characteristics of intact male and female dogs were compared with those of four groups of neutered dogs–neutered before 6 months, between 13 and 18 months and after 18 months. Among the findings, neutered dogs were more aggressive, fearful, excitable and less trainable than intact dogs. In addition the author found a significant difference in bone lengths.“
Findings support the need for an immediate re-evaluation of current recommendations to spay or neuter dogs to prevent or treat behavior problems and a full examination of the physical effects of spaying and neutering pet dogs. As most readers know a spayed or neutered dog is considered to have less monetary value by both the AKC and the AVMA. Research has also shown a risk of cancer and cognitive impairment, which further act to support many views.
PETUNIA THE NEARLY BLIND DOG. Hopefully, by this time Petunia has found a home. Her story in the Daily Item was heart-wrenching. But, she is not alone. There is an animal sanctuary that specializes in caring for animals with disabilities. Rolling Dog Ranch even has special diets for its residents. http://blogrollingdogranch.org
FLEA AND TICK PESTICIDES. There has been growing concern about the use of flea and tick pesticides (spot-on-products) causing skin irritations and death in animals less than three years of age and/or weighing 10 to 20 pounds. It might be wise to check with your veterinary hospital if your dog falls in one of these areas.
WALKING YOUR DOG–HEALTH CARE’S SECRET WEAPON. According to a study in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health, people who own and walk a dog are 34% more likely to meet federal benchmarks for physical activity. Physical health benchmarks call for at least 150 minutes of such activity a week. Middle-age people have the least time to walk a dog; younger and older people get the most physical benefit; puppies were more apt to be walked than older dogs; and larger breed dogs were walked longer than smaller dogs. Wonder what difference weekly class training would make in staying young? Perhaps there should be a study on the effect of class dog training on owner health and fitness!
Apr 11, 2011 | | Uncategorized