Three myths about sterilizing pets

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An estimated 6 to 8 million cats and dogs enter shelters all over the country each year. Of that number, 3 to 4 million are euthanized. Animal overpopulation has become an epidemic. It occurs not only because strays and unsterilized pets are left to breed, but also because irresponsible dog owners choose to breed a whole litter of puppies when they intend to keep only one.


No less than half of all dogs in shelters end up there because they were relinquished by their owners. An unstable economy has forced households to prioritize their expenses, and pets don’t often make the cut. Coupled by suddenly finding the pet pregnant, some dog owners are left with no choice but to give their dog up. But when vets suggest owners have their dogs neutered, many of the latter reject the idea. Some believe this is psychologically harmful to their dog, or will cause future consequences. Here’s a list of the three most common misconceptions about sterilizing dogs and the truth to each one:




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The dog will feel like less of a “man” after being sterilized

Although dogs can suffer from trauma, the “shame” of being neutered is a human-associated emotion. Dogs develop their personalities from their genetics and environment. Sterilizing a dog will not affect its personality, except for giving it one less need to fulfill.



Spaying or neutering will cause weight gain

Dogs do not get fat from simply being sterilized alone. A healthy dog will only gain weight if it is fed more than exercised. Some owners sometimes cause their dog’s weight gain due to feeling sympathetic for the dog post-surgery. They give the dog extra treats or refrain from making it do too much activity because they “feel sorry” for having neutered him. There is no need to make a dog “feel better” because he will not “feel bad!” Exercise helps a dog recuperate from surgery and should be maintained regularly after sterilization.




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Spaying or neutering is expensive

While this may have been true in the ‘80s and ‘90s, overpopulation has led many clinics, pounds, and animal shelters to offer low-cost and even free dog sterilization programs. Veterinary clinics without free programs do offer payment in installments. Getting a pet dog neutered or spayed is the responsible action to take. Owners should not let their psychological fears prevent them from doing what is best for their pet.



Many humans make the mistake of assigning their emotions to their dogs. Experienced breeder and trainer Suzy Azalea discusses the difference between how humans and dogs interpret and react to their environment on this blog.

A look at AKC's top 10 breeds of 2012

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The American Kennel Club (AKC) has kept a registry of purebred dog pedigrees in the United States since it was founded in 1884. Every year, the AKC releases a list of the top 10 breeds by popularity. While the 2012 list showed no surprises, it was interesting to note that America’s idea of a canine companion has moved away from traditional working dogs into what is commonly known as fighting breeds.


10. Rottweiler
Square-jawed and big-boned, the Rottweiler is America’s working dog. Often misunderstood for being intimidating, rotties—as they are sometimes called—are in fact playful and highly intelligent dogs.


9. Dachshund
This wiener-shaped breed fell one spot from last year’s list but is still one of America’s preferred pets for families with children. They are versatile little creatures—they can dig and hunt but also take care of small children—making them an ideal family pet for homes with yards.

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8. Poodle
Another misunderstood breed, poodles are capable of far more than most people would think. In fact, they are capable of more than most dogs can learn in a lifetime. Poodles have been on the top 10 list since 1960 for their intelligence and trainability; they are able to complete service dog duties while remaining a playful family pet. They are bred in three sizes, making them easy to raise in just about any type of home space or environment.


7. Boxer
Protective and patient, boxers have maintained a steady position on the top ten list for their loyalty and manageable energy level. Although they were originally bred for fighting, boxers have come a long way since, making excellent family guard dogs, even for homes with children.

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6. English Bulldog
In a chicken-or-egg debate, it can be argued that bulldogs gained popularity because they have consistently been used as school mascots. Whichever way it happened—and regardless of the sports team they represent—bulldogs are known for their protective instinct and gentle temperament.


For the rest of the list, visit this web page.

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Suzy Azalea is an experienced dog breeder with expertise across all types of breed categories. Visit this Myspace page for details about her breeding programs.

Walk n' wag: Keeping the pounds off you and your dog this year

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Holidays are indulgent times for taste buds. After a year’s hard work, Christmas celebrants look forward to a feast of countless courses and forbidden desserts. In our household, everyone enjoys a good serving of signature Suzy Azalea holiday dishes, including the four-legged members.

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To combat holiday weight gain, most health consultants suggest making meals out of fat-free ingredients or doubling up on exercise routines. It is ideal to do both in tandem to keep button bursting at a minimum. While preparing healthy Christmas dishes, you may also consider treating your fur pals to special meals. Contrary to what some home cooks expect, this requires no extra effort. As an experienced dog breeder and canine welfare expert, I have put together a list of 10 everyday food ingredients that are safe for dogs to eat. The list includes most of the fruits, meats, and vegetables used in dietitian-recommended Christmas dinners, allowing you to treat your canine pals to something unique without increasing their fat intake.

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While it’s tempting to stay snug in bed all day after a hearty meal, keeping the pounds off means moving around—double time. As winter temperatures prevent “sweating it off,” holiday exercise has to compensate. Taking your dog out for a run allows you and your dog to get your exercise. Exercising has an added benefit for dogs: It releases tension and excitement pent-up from staying indoors all day. A bored dog will usually resort to eating more than it should-or worse, chewing on shoes and furniture. If you’re worried about the cold weather, this DIY fleece coat for dogs from Martha Stewart is a great solution.


Keeping a dog healthy does not have to be an added chore. It can be done alongside the usual family habits and become part of the holiday routine.


Get more tips about exercising with your pets on this Facebook page.