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Your Spay/Neuter and Winter Pet Health Questions, Answered

Dr. Schettino’s Answers to Spay/Neuter and Winter Pet Health Questions from Yesterday’s Twitter Chat

Thank you to all who participated in and submitted questions to yesterday’s World Spay Day twitter chat with the Dr. Edward Schettino.

In case you missed it, you can see a transcript of the conversation below.01-11-14 Dr Schettino

Introduction: @ARLBostonRescue: Welcome to the #ARLAskaVet twitter chat! @ARLDrS will take your Qs re: #spayneuter and winter pet health now!

Q: How old does my puppy need to be before she can be spayed? #arlaskavet
A: Dogs can be spayed and neutered as early as 12 weeks. Checking with your vet for the optimal age is best. #arlaskavet

 

Q: What would you say are the most common reasons people do not spay or neuter their pets? #arlaskavet
A: Great question: People want to have puppies or kittens from their pet, people want their family to witness the birth.
A: It is too expensive, they think their pet will “feel” less male or female; they don’t want their pet to get fat #arlaskavet

 

Q: Are there non-surgical options for spay or neuter? Do you ever recommend them? #arlaskavet
A: Yes for male dogs, but it is a new procedure and it is not for everyone or every dog. #arlaskavet

 

Q: @aaaltobelli: How long does the spay/neuter surgery take? @ARLDrS @ARLBoston
A: Neuters typically take 10-20 mins and spays 20-40 mins for the average veterinary #arlaskavet

 

Q: @pawspluspals: How risky is spay/neuter surgery for animals? #arlaskavet
A: Every surgery has a risk, however it is very minimal. Best to ask your vet about your individual pet #arlaskavet

 

Q: @ubergirl4: What are some of the health benefits of spaying or neutering your pet? #arlaskavet
A: Male dogs that are neutered, their risk of testicular cancer is eliminated.  Risk of mammary gland cancer is severally reduced 4 spayed pets before their first heat cycle #arlaskavet

 

Q: My dog doesn’t like them, but is it better for him to wear booties with all salt on the ground? #arlaskavet
A: Some dogs won’t walk w booties, if your dog is 100% against them just wash their feet before coming inside #arlaskavet

 

Q: @TinyTobyTweets: Can rabbits and guinea pigs be spayed/neutered as well? #ARLAskaVet
A: Great question! Yes to all!!! Female rabbits 100% should be spayed to prevent ovarian cancer #arlaskavet

 

Q: Should I be concerned my cat’s weight or personality will change after he is neutered? #arlaskavet
A: No – cats gain weight because they eat too much and exercise too little.. just like us! #arlaskavet

 

Q: Can dogs and cats get frostbite? #arlaskavet
A: Yes, especially on their ears and paws. Just limit the amount of time outside on those very cold days (like today) #arlaskavet

 

Q: It’s shedding season for my cat! What do you recommend to prevent hairballs? He hates brushing. #arlaskavet
A: Brushing is best! However, it can take some time 4 your cat 2 get used 2 this, go slow & respect their time limits #arlaskavet

 

Q: @leebren9: Are there additional risks in spaying an 8yr dog? #ARLAskaVet #SpayNeuter
A: Risks increase as your pet gets older it’s never 2 late 2 spay your dog, benefits outweigh the risks. #arlaskavet

 

Q: @amibowen723: Where can pet owners find out about affordable spay/neuter options in MA? #ARLAskaVet
A: Check out: https://www.arlboston.org/services/spay-waggin/ and http://massanimalcoalition.com/resources/spay-neuter/ … #arlaskavet

 

Q: @aaaltobelli: Can you spay a dog in heat? #ARLAskAvet
A: Yes you can spay a dog in heat, although it is best to wait until their heat cycle is over #arlaskavet @aaaltobelli

 

Q: Will a coat keep my dog warmer in the winter? Is it necessary? #arlaskavet
A: Yes it can but it is not necessary. Depending on your dog it can help although not all dogs are fans #arlaskavet

 

Q: Will my dog/cat be in a lot of pain from their spay/neuter surgery? #arlaskavet
A: It depends on your pet, most pets recover within 12-24 hours. The problem is keeping them rested! #arlaskavet

 

Q: On average, how long does it take a dog or cat to recover from spay/neuter surgery? #arlaskavet
A: Routine dental care is best. Talk to your vet, if you don’t brush regularly it may be time for a cleaning! #arlaskavet

 

Q: Can a dog or cat be spayed or neutered after they’ve had a litter? #arlaskavet
A: Yes .. it is never too late to spay or neuter your pet!! #arlaskavet

 

Q: @AmandaLarosee: Will a male neutered cat still spray? #ARLAskaVet
A: It is best 2 neuter your cat before they start 2 prevent this behavior. If they started- neutering will help #arlaskavet
Winter Weather Animal Rescues

ARL’s Rescue Services Team On the Snowy and Icy Scene

winter animal rescue duck

Many wild birds like this goose spotted behind a store in Quincy have had difficulties finding food this winter.

This winter has been rough for everyone in Massachusetts, including our four-footed and winged friends.  Luckily for animals in distress, the ARL’s rescue team has been on the scene to help.

The storms have especially taken their toll on wild birds, including ducks, geese, and swans.  Not only are they turning up in unusual and less-than-safe places such as busy parking lots looking for something to eat and a place to rest, but they are also getting injured.

Just this week alone, the rescue team scooted out on the ice to help an injured goose on the frozen Charles River in Waltham,  assisted a sick swan who had been sitting in the middle of a driveway in Lynn for quite some time, and waded through the icy waters in Gloucester to help a duck entangled in netting.

Other types wildlife have had difficulties, as well.  On Wednesday evening, the team assisted in the rescue of a coyote stuck out on the ice in Quincy.  The team helped move the animal back to shore as his or her nervous mate paced anxiously back and forth.

winter animal rescue netting

The ARL rescue team pulled this duck entangled in netting from the icy ocean waters off Gloucester.

Between the frigid temperatures and snow, stray and feral cats have also been struggling this winter.  One injured stray cat wedged itself behind some boards in Boston covered by a huge snow drift.  The rescue team dug her out and brought her back to our Boston shelter for further care.

After a concerned citizen reported a feral cat had been stuck in a heating vent after snow from the last several storms covered the opening, the City of Boston lent a hand to the rescue team to get through the snow and free the trapped animal.

As a feral cat, he (or she) was not too keen on sticking around to thank his human rescuers, but community members have since spotted him and say he appears to be doing fine.

When a horse barn in Stoughton collapsed from the weight of the weekend’s snow, the ARL rescue team was also on the scene to provide assistance moving horses to new shelter.  Luckily, no horses were injured in the collapse.

winter animal rescue feral cat

The rescue team worked alongside the City of Boston Inspectional Services to remove snow in order to free a feral cat stuck inside a heating vent for over a week.

THANK YOU to all the animal control officers, the City of Boston, and the many kind citizens who are looking out for animals in our community this winter!

YOU CAN HELP TOO!  The ARL doesn’t receive government or public funding to provide rescue services to animals in distress. Make a donation today to ensure domestic animals and wildlife get assistance when they need it most!

Spay/Neuter FAQs, Part II

 ARL’s Dr. Schettino answers to frequently asked spay/neuter questions

Schettino fix a feral

Dr. Schettino “in action” at a recent ARL Fix-a-Feral Clinic, where feral cats in greater Boston are spayed or neutered and given other veterinary care.

When the ARL’s Dr. Schettino, director of veterinary medical services, sat down with us to discuss spay and neuter, he wanted to help pet owners understand why it’s hip to snip!

As Dr. Schettino points out, a large portion of the animals coming to ARL shelters every year come from unplanned or abandoned litters of puppies and kittens.  By increasing spay/neuter rates, you can help prevent pet overpopulation in a very humane way.

In part I of his chat with us, he cut through common myths about spay and neuter.

Read Part I

Today in part II, Dr. Schettino shreds through lingering concerns pet owners may have about having their pet spayed or neuter by answering the frequently asked questions he hears from clients at the ARL’s Boston Veterinary Care clinic and Spay Waggin’.

Here’s what he had to say…..

ARL Blog: What do you say to a pet owner who’s concerned that spay or neuter surgery is painful?

DS: Pain is associated with every surgery.  At the ARL, we use pain medication before, during, and after surgery to make the procedure as pain-free as possible. The majority of dogs and cats are acting 100% normal by the next morning. In fact, the challenging part to the surgery is trying to keep the dog or cat rested when they feel so good.

ARL Blog: Is spay or neuter surgery expensive? What are the local low-cost options/clinics in the area?

DS: Spay/neuter surgeries vary in price depending on location and provider – here’s a link with some great resources – massanimalcoalition.com/resources/spay-neuter. The ARL offers free spay and neuter services for feral cats in greater Boston through our Fix-a-Feral trap-neuter-release clinics. Our Spay Waggin’ provides spay and neuter program created to assist clients in financial need on the South Shore and Cape Cod. You can also check with your local veterinarian.

ARL Blog: At what age should dogs/cats be spayed/neutered?

DS: Many veterinarians now spay and neuter dogs and cats as young as eight weeks of age. You should check with your veterinarian about the appropriate time for these procedures. And remember, it’s never too late to spay or neuter your pet!

spay neuter dog

During Spay/Neuter Awareness Month this February, the ARL is raising awareness with the “It’s Hip to Snip” campaign.

ARL Blog: Should pet owners be concerned that their pet’s behaviors will change after the surgery? Will a male dog, for example, be less of a protector?

DS: Your pet’s behavior will not change. A dog’s personality is formed more by genetics and environment than by sex hormones. It is a dog’s natural instinct to protect the home and family.

ARL Blog: What can people to do help end animal overpopulation?

DS: Spay and neuter your pet! Always talk to family and friends and explain to them the benefits of spay/neuter–tell them it’s hip to snip! Help them understand that this will benefit their pet as well as help prevent animal overpopulation. Additionally, people can donate to their favorite animal welfare charity to help support  spay/neuter efforts.

Join the conversation! On World Spay Day, February 24, World Spay Day, Dr. Schettino and the ARL will host an #ARLAskaVet Twitter chat at 12 PM (EST). Follow the ARL on Twitter @arlboston and submit your questions using the hash tag #ARLAskaVet.
ARL’s Dr. Schettino on Spay/Neuter, Part I

Hosting #ARLAskaVet Twitter Chat on World Spay Day

Dr. Schettino ARL director

Dr. Schettino takes a break with Socks during our interview on the importance of spay/neuter to preventing animal overpopulation.

He’s a man with a mission: to let everyone know it’s hip to snip!  We sat down with the ARL’s Dr. Edward Schettino to discuss the importance of spay/neuter.

As director of veterinary medical services, he works with the ARL’s private veterinary clinic Boston Veterinary Care,  the Spay Waggin’, and shelter veterinary medicine programs. He cut to the chase about why it’s hip to snip and answered some of the most frequently asked questions about the procedures.

In part I of his interview, Dr. Schettino focused on common myths about spaying and neutering.

ARL Blog: Give us the basics – why is it so important to spay and neuter pets?

Dr. Schettino (DS): There are too many cat and dogs in our communities that don’t have homes. If we can increase spay and neuter rates, we can help prevent pet overpopulation. Additionally, it lengthens the life span of our pets, reduces the cost of pet ownership, prevents aggressive behaviors, and offers protection from potentially life-threatening diseases including testicular cancer, breast cancer and uterine infections.

ARL Blog: What are some common myths about spay/neuter that you often hear?

DS: There are many common myths – here are some that I hear often:

I don’t want my male dog or cat to feel like “less of a male.”
Pets don’t have any concept of sexual identity or ego. Neutering will not change a pet’s basic personality.

I want my children/family to see my pets experience the miracle of birth.
Complications can and do occur during the birthing process. Teach children/family members that all life is precious and by spaying and neutering your pet, he/she will lead a healthier, longer life.

It’s better to have one litter before spaying a female pet.
This is false. Females who are spayed before their first heat are typically healthier.

My pet is a purebred and I should breed him/her.
Your pet may be a purebred, but so is at least one out of every four pets brought to animal shelters throughout the country. Purebreds and their offspring are no exception and be spayed and neutered as well.

My pet will get fat and lazy.
Pets get fat and lazy because their owners feed them too much and don’t give them enough exercise, not because they are spayed or neutered.

My dog (or cat) is so special. I want a puppy/kitten just like her/him.
Your pet’s puppies or kittens will not be a carbon copy of your pet.

It’s expensive to have my pet spayed
Many low-cost options exist for spay/neuter services. Check out the ARL’s spay/neuter resources to find one in your area.

Read part II of our interview with Dr. Schettino!  He talks about common concerns people have about spay/neuter surgery and its effects on their pet.

Have more questions for Dr. Schettino? On World Spay Day, February 24, World Spay Day, Dr. Schettino and the ARL will host an #ARLAskaVet Twitter chat at 12 PM (EST). Follow the ARL on Twitter @arlboston and submit your questions using the hash tag #ARLAskaVet.

It’s Hip to Snip – Spay or Neuter Your Pet

February is National Spay/Neuter Awareness Month

It’s definitely hip to snip this February during National Spay/Neuter Awareness Month!

spay spokesdog Liam

It’s Hip to Snip campaign spokesdog Liam looking super cool in his shades during his photo shoot.

We’re spreading the word that one of the best ways to prevent pet overpopulation is to spay or neuter your pet.

Our “It’s Hip to Snip” spay/neuter awareness campaign will feature a spay/neuter fund drive, public service announcements, and an educational event to help more people learn about  the important benefits the low-risk surgery has for the community, people, and pets.

For more campaign event information and spay and neuter resources, visit arlboston.org/spay-neuter.

So, why is it so hip to snip? Consider these 5 reasons:

  1. You snip, you save. Particularly given the number of affordable options available in Massachusetts, the cost of caring for an unplanned litter far outweighs the cost of having a pet spayed or neutered.
  2. Snipping reduces spraying. Neutering resolves the vast majority of marking behaviors—even when a cat has a long-standing habit. Other nuisance behaviors such as howling in cats and excessive barking in dogs eases and even disappears after surgery.
  3. Snipping stops scuffles. According to the National Canine Research Foundation, approximately 92% of fatal dog attacks involved male dogs, 94% of which were not neutered. Neutering male dogs and cats reduces their urge to roam and fight with other males.
  4. Snipping lengthens life span. The USA Today reports neutered male dogs live 18% longer than un-neutered males, and spayed females live 23% longer than unspayed females.
  5. Snipping is a safeguard. Neutering male cats and dogs before six months of age prevents testicular cancer. Spaying female cats and dogs before their first heat offers protection from uterine infections and breast cancer.

So, pet owners, adjust those cool shades, and be part of the solution during National Spay/Neuter Awareness Month! Spay or neuter your furry friend and help spread the word that it’s hip to snip!

It’s Hip to Snip Fun Fact: At the end of every episode of the popular game show The Price is Right, hip host Bob Barker always reminded viewers, “Help control the pet population. Have your pet spayed or neutered. Goodbye, everybody!”   If more people took Bob’s sage advice, there would be fewer homeless cats and dogs and pet overpopulation would be humanely reduced!

ARL Rescue Team Brings in Lowell Goat

“Caprine cavalier” headed to Dedham shelter

Earlier this morning, the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s rescue services team successfully captured the goat who had been wandering in the greater Lowell area since December.

lowell goat in crate

Lowell the goat, as the ARL’s rescue services team has taken to calling him, has been wandering in the greater Lowell area since before Christmas.

After the two-horned, shaggy rambler was spotted moving through the snow close to 495 yesterday, the ARL’s rescue team set a humane trap in the hopes of bringing him in to shelter ahead of the snowstorm.

The Lowell goat originally was spotted several weeks ago in Tewksbury, and also made cameo appearances in Chelmsford and Westford.  Because he didn’t seem to visit the same place in any predictable pattern, he proved more challenging to rescue.

Next stop for Lowell the goat, as our rescue team has taken to calling him, is the ARL’s Dedham shelter.  Lowell will join other livestock in the barn where he will spend the next several days getting proper food and water, and safely resting in a fresh bed of straw.

Thank you to Massachusetts State Police, Westford Animal Control, and all of Lowell’s loyal followers on social media for your support for the ARL’s rescue efforts!

Puppy Rescue, Thanks To Two Kind Boys

Jumping into action on a cold night

Thank you to the two boys who called the Animal Rescue League and Boston Animal Care (BAC) for help with a puppy rescue on a very cold night earlier this week.

puppy rescue in Boston

Two boys found the small puppy trapped between a fence and a wall in a local park.

After hearing whimpering noises coming from somewhere, the boys went outside to look around and try to find what was making them. They followed a trail of tiny footprints in the park across the street from their home and found the poor pup trapped between a metal fence and retaining wall!

Realizing the little dog was stuck and would not survive a night out in the freezing cold, the two rushed to get help.  The ARL and BAC arrived on the scene and worked together to pull the shivering and frightened puppy out from behind the fence.

Watch the short video of the gentle rescue below.

We’re happy to report the little guy is sweet as can be and recovering very well from his ordeal thanks to the two kind young men who helped an animal in need!

 

 

Exploring the Issue of Animal Cruelty with Phil Arkow

Focusing on the link between animal abuse and human violence

Making animal cruelty prevention a priority for the entire community is a major part of the community outreach work the ARL has done in 2014.  Our “See Something, Say Something – Report Animal Cruelty” campaign, for example, is all about getting the public’s help in reporting suspicions of abuse to local authorities.

We also recently hosted a lecture event for our President’s Council donor group and other special guests featuring guest presenter Phil Arkow, a noted speaker with the animal welfare field on the connection between animal abuse and human violence.  Arkow co-founded The National Link Coalition in an effort to bring attention to what many believe is a critical public safety issue.

Phil Arkow discussed the connection between cruelty to animals and other forms of human violence.

Phil Arkow discussed the connection between cruelty to animals and human violence.

“We can prevent animal abuse and other forms of family violence by paying more attention to animal abuse as a potential indicator and predictor of crime,” Arkow said in the opening minutes of his presentation.  “What we do to prevent, prosecute, and punish animal cruelty are just as beneficial to Man – and Woman – as they are to Man’s best friend.”

To download the slides or see more pictures of the event, visit:  arlboston.org/pc-14-lecture

Inspired by the many decades of research and examples of domestic violence awareness campaigns that include pets in the message, Dr. Martha Smith-Blackmore, vice president of animal welfare  at the ARL, conclude the event suggesting to the audience, “we all need to think about how to share the message that helping animals is really helping people and helping improve society.”

Thank you to the Susannah A. Knight Law Enforcement Fund for sponsoring the ARL’s Fall Lecture event.  Your generous support made an evening of meaningful and important discussion possible.

And of course, thank you to all of our President’s Council members who attended this event.

Website Susannah Thanks

Wally Says Look at Meow!

Home for the Holidays Happy Tail

Then: Wally needed over $3,000 in emergency surgery to repair wounds to his face, legs, and tail.

Then: Wally needed over $3,000 in emergency surgery to repair wounds to his face, legs, and tail.

Earlier this Fall, we shared the story of Wally.  The small grey and white cat had seriously injured himself after somehow scaling the 30-40 foot wall at Bridgewater State Prison and getting stuck in the razor wire.

Read Wally’s story

Soon after returning to the ARL’s Boston shelter to complete his recovery following surgery to repair his wounds, Wally found a wonderful new home.

Today, Wally is now known as Silvio (aka Mr. Sil).

His family reports that he continues to be a spunky little guy! He and his big sister Cleo, a Siamese mix and ARL Dedham alum (’09) became fast friends and are really enjoying having a kindred playful spirit around.

During the day, Silvio and Cleo love looking out windows together to watch the birds and squirrels. And at night, both cats snuggle up with their human companions after a long day of play.

Say Silvio’s parents, “We are so happy to have Silvio in our lives. Such a wonderful, resilient and loving animal!”

Stories like Silvio’s are truly like a holiday wish come true.  Thank you to our supporters who donated over $7,000 for medical assistance for Wally and other animals like him.

 

Piper the Kitten Getting Special Care at the ARL

“She’s like our very own Tiny Tim”

kitten being examined by ARL vetThe Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) newest addition, little Piper the kitten, is recovering from delicate surgery performed on Monday to repair her broken back leg.

Just as the cold weather hit, kind Samaritans discovered the 6-8 week-old brown tabby all alone and struggling to walk near an ice cream shop in Orleans, MA. After police brought her to the ARL’s Brewster shelter, ARL veterinarian Dr. Kyle Quigley recommended bringing Piper up to Boston to explore all the options for repairing her leg.

“Piper was anemic, dehydrated, and clearly in some discomfort because of her broken leg,” Dr. Quigley explained. “Because she was so little, we wanted to make sure we helped her heal with minimal pain.”

An x-ray of Piper's leg with the pins and steel plate post surgery.

An x-ray of Piper’s leg with the pins and steel plate post surgery.

The ARL funded Piper’s surgery at Tufts Veterinary Emergency Treatment and Specialties in Walpole, MA, where veterinary surgeons inserted a steel plate and pins to repair the serious fracture in her thigh. The organization will continue to help Piper rehabilitate over the next 6-8 weeks and begin the process of finding her a permanent home.

“She’s like our very own Tiny Tim,” said Marianne Gasbarro, the ARL’s Boston shelter manager. “She got the treatment she needed just in time and will have a much better life in the new year ahead.”

The ARL expects Piper’s medical costs will top $2,000 with surgery and after care. The organization does not receive any government funding and relies solely on the generosity of supporters to help stray animals like Piper recover.

Make a donation to help Piper and other animals just like her.

small tabby kitten