It is the policy of Canine Castaways, Inc. that all pets in a possible adoptive home be altered prior to adoption of a Canine Castaway unless there is a medical reason for not doing so. This policy has eliminated homes in the past that were otherwise great homes but we stand by it. This is definitely NOT beyond the scope of Canine Castaways, Inc.'s responsibility and concern. This may seem harsh to many people but many of the dogs we rescue come from dogs that were never going to be "bred" but were not spayed or neutered. Also, it's a shame that the general population doesn't understand the health benefits associated with this as well. It is horrible to see the mammary tumors in some of the female dogs we rescue that may have never had the problem had they been spayed. Part of our responsibility is to try to educate the public about these issues.

WHAT DO "SPAY" AND "NEUTER" REALLY MEAN?

Female dogs and cats are spayed by removing their reproductive organs, and male dogs and cats are neutered by removing their testicles. In both cases the operation is performed while the pet is under anesthesia. Depending on your pet's age, size, and health, he or she will stay at your veterinarian's office for a few hours or a few days. Depending upon the procedure, your pet may need stitches removed after a few days. Your veterinarian can fully explain spay and neuter procedures to you and discuss with you the best age at which to sterilize your pet.

Spaying or Neutering Is Good for Your Pet
Spaying and neutering helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives.
Spaying and neutering can eliminate or reduce the incidence of a number of health problems that can be very difficult or expensive to treat.
Spaying eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer, particularly when your pet is spayed before her first estrous cycle.
Neutering eliminates testicular cancer and decreases the incidence of prostate disease.

Spaying or Neutering Is Good for You
Spaying and neutering makes pets better, more affectionate companions.
Neutering cats makes them less likely to spray and mark territory.
Spaying a dog or cat eliminates her heat cycle. Estrus lasts an average of six to 12 days, often twice a year, in dogs and an average of six to seven days, three or more times a year, in cats. Females in heat can cry incessantly, show nervous behavior, and attract unwanted male animals.
Unsterilized animals often exhibit more behavior and temperament problems than do those who have been spayed or neutered.
Spaying and neutering can make pets less likely to bite.
Neutering makes pets less likely to roam the neighborhood, run away, or get into fights.

Spaying and Neutering Are Good for the Community
Communities spend millions of dollars to control unwanted animals.
Irresponsible breeding contributes to the problem of dog bites and attacks.
Animal shelters are overburdened with surplus animals.
Stray pets and homeless animals get into trash containers, defecate in public areas or on private lawns, and frighten or anger people who have no understanding of their misery or needs.
Some stray animals also scare away or kill birds and wildlife.

Spay or neuter surgery carries a one-time cost that is relatively small when one considers its benefits. It's a small price to pay for the health of your pet and the prevention of more unwanted animals.

HEARTWORMS - PREVENTATIVE AND TREATMENT

Heartworm Disease...

Heartworms live in the right side of the heart and the large arteries running from the heart to the lungs (the pulmonary arteries). Heartworm disease causes damage to the pulmonary arteries which eventually leads to heart failure. If you have any acquaintances with chronic heart failure, ask them how much joy there is in their lives. Heart failure robs the dog of its ability to play comfortably. Eventually it becomes difficult to just participate in normal activities. Serious damage begins to occur in other organ systems affected by the heart failure.

Heartworm Preventative...

Remember, heartworm preventative is as important as vaccinations no matter what the pet's lifestyle. It only takes one infected mosquito biting an unprotected dog for it to become infected. There are many different types of preventative available and all are relatively inexpensive, especially considering it can save your dog's life. Below are links to a comparison chart and several different types of preventative:

Comparison Chart
Heartgard Plus
Sentinel
Interceptor
Revolution

Heartworm Treatment...

The dogs that are heartworm positive with Canine Castaways, Inc. are treated one of two ways. One method is immiticide treatment where the dog receives two injections of immiticide and must then be kept calm for several weeks. This is to prevent the possibility of massive movement of the dead heartworms. It must be taken very serious as the dog can become very ill if directions are not followed closely. Our local vet, Animal Ark of Arcadia, prefers a different treatment. The dog receives medication approximately once a month for 12 to 24 months depending on the severity. This treatment is relatively inexpensive, costing under $15 a month. It may take longer to treat the dog than other methods of treatment but our vet feels it is also much safer as a result. With either treatment once it has been determined that the dog is free of heartworms, heartworm preventative must be started to prevent the recurrence of the problem.

Please contact Dr.Overcash at Animal Ark of Arcadia, (863)494-2101 with any questions.

"Heartworm and parasite prevention is year round in Florida"

Links:

ASPCA Pet Care Page
American Humane
Animalland.org - ASPCA Kids Page
The Humane Society of the United States - Pets Page
Petfinder's Library