At MACS, we strive to educate the community in any way we can. We believe that with proper education and support from the community, we can slow the overpopulation of animals in our local shelters.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING MY COMPANION ANIMAL SPAYED OR NEUTERED?
Spaying and neutering are among the best ways to combat pet homelessness. Between 6 and 7 million dogs and cats will end up in our nation’s animal shelters each year; about one-half of these animals will be killed. Spay and neuter surgeries also prevent some major health problems, such as cancers of the reproductive organs. Lastly, spay and neuter surgeries diminish an animal’s tendencies to roam, yowl, fight, “mark” and other undesirable behaviors associated with mating. Lastly, spay and neuter surgery is 100% effective. Once your animal is spayed or neutered, you will never have to worry about the animal producing unwanted puppies or kittens.
Heartworms can only be transmitted from animal to animal by mosquitoes. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, young heartworms called microfilariae enter into that mosquito’s system. Within two weeks, the microfilariae develop into infective larvae inside the mosquito; these infective larvae can be transmitted to another animal when this mosquito takes its next blood meal. The American Heartworm Society recommends testing pets every 12 months for heartworm and giving your pet a heartworm preventive 12 months a year.