Pets too need family planning

Pets bring joy, companionship, and unconditional love to millions of homes. But as pet ownership continues to grow, so does the desire for animal protection. While the idea of raising adorable puppies or kittens might sound appealing, overbreeding can pose serious risks not just for the pets but also for their owners.

Dr Rono Kipkirui, a veterinary surgeon, explains that pets like dogs and cats have evolved over time to become companions to humans. Consequently, responsible pet breeding has gained attention among pet owners.

“Dogs reach puberty at around eight or nine months. This is when you can start to breed them, but it is best to let them skip the first cycle and breed them during the second or third cycle. On the other hand, cats reach puberty at about six months, and at this age, they can get pregnant but it is also best to let them skip the first cycle.

Cats can give birth to at least four kittens per cycle. After giving birth, it is encouraged that you skip the next cycle to allow your female pet to recover well. Allow your pet to give birth no more than four times in their lifetime,” says Dr Kipkirui.

He also warns about the unique reproductive nature of cats. “Cats are induced ovulators, meaning they can become pregnant even while nursing their existing kittens. This is why you find so many cats around. It is, therefore, advisable to separate your female cat during the nursing period until the kittens are about three months old,” he explains.

Breeding can be done naturally or through artificial insemination. “Artificial insemination is quite common with dogs, especially when you want a breed that isn’t available locally. Semen can be transported from overseas. However, in Kenya, cases of artificial insemination in pets are relatively few,” he says.

Why does responsible breeding matter?

Overbreeding leads to pet overpopulation, making it hard to provide quality care for them. “For instance, dogs can produce at least 7–10 puppies per cycle, leading to overpopulation. As a pet owner, you should only breed your pet if you are financially capable of caring for the offspring,” advises Dr Kipkirui.

Responsible breeding also enhances the health and quality of life of your pet. “When you allow your pet to skip a cycle, you give them time to heal from the last birth. They can regain weight and recover from the stress of giving birth, which also drains nutrients from the body,” he says.

Overbreeding can lead to health issues for female pets such as reproductive problems, mastitis, mammary tumours, joint issues, and eye or ear infections. “Overbred pets often have hanging nipples that might not be aesthetically appealing,” Dr Kipkirui adds.

How to prevent breeding without neutering

If you want to prevent your pet from breeding without neutering, be prepared for a challenging few days. Dr Kipkirui recommends keeping female pets away from males during their heat cycles.

“When on heat, cats and dogs urinate a lot and make loud noises, but it lasts only about nine days. Try to keep them indoors during this time, ideally for at least 14 days,” he says.

Dr Kipkirui also emphasises that cats and dogs do not experience menopause, meaning senior pets can still give birth. “However, with age, the number of puppies or kittens born at a time will reduce, and their immunity will be compromised. That’s why we encourage breeding pets early, ideally before their seventh birthday,” he advises.

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