February is here, and represents a major date in the veterinary calendar: Beat the Heat Month. As we mark this important month, Intriquip invites veterinary clinics in Canada and beyond to join with us in spreading awareness about the crucial role of spaying pets. Use your practice’s voice to drive positive change in your community – be sure to get involved with our free resource kit!
What is Beat the Heat Month?
Observed every February, Beat the Heat Month focuses on educating pet owners about the advantages of spaying and neutering pets. These routine surgeries involve standard pre-operative care & post-operative attention, and are a significant way of contributing to community well-being, reducing the burden on shelters and improving overall animal health.
Spay Awareness: Why is Beat the Heat Month so Important?
Consider this: at any one time, over 800,000 pets are waiting for adoption in Canada. That is a massive figure, and each of those numbers is a story: of a pet suffering, of a shelter under pressure, of an animal without a home.
Every year in Canada, 80,000 dogs and cats are euthanized in shelters around the country. This is almost half of all animals that are admitted to the shelters. However, spaying these animals can lessen their suffering. The fact is that in Edmonton alone, spaying or neutering one cat or dog could prevent 248,832 unplanned puppies or kittens over five years.
Here at Intriquip, we believe that the power to change these statistics is in your hands. All that’s needed is a drive to raise awareness. That journey starts in your clinic, where your patients rely on your experience and expertise.
The Benefits of Spaying Pets
Spaying cats and dogs isn’t just about alleviating pressures on animal shelters. Equally, it’s about protecting our communities and their many furry inhabitants. If your patients are unsure if it is the right decision, these points make for a convenient cue-card. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Reduced risk of cancer:
Spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast tumors, which are malignant in about 50% of dogs and 90% of cats. Spaying your pet before her first heat offers the best protection from these diseases.
Longer, healthier lives:
Spaying can lead to a longer life for pets by preventing serious health issues.
Behavioural benefits:
Spaying often reduces undesirable behaviours, such as pet aggression and the urge to roam. This can make them less likely to run away or get into fights.
Population control:
It helps reduce the number of unwanted pets. This is crucial because millions of cats and dogs of all ages and breeds enter shelters each year or suffer as strays.
Cost-effective:
The cost of spaying is far less than the cost of having and caring for a litter. It also avoids the potential cost of treatment if an unspayed pet develops a health issue related to reproductive systems.
Prevents heat cycles:
Spaying eliminates heat cycles in females, which can be messy and attract males from all around.
Community benefits:
Reduces the number of strays and potential public health risks they pose.
The benefits of spaying pets are numerous. But how can your veterinary practice play a role in affecting genuine, positive change?
Beat the Heat Month: How Your Clinic Can Help
Together, we can change some of the sad statistics caused by unspayed cats and dogs. All you have to do is use our free toolkit, including a range of downloadable, printable and sharable resources – keep scrolling and get downloading. Keep reading for more tips on how your veterinary practice can help.
Tip #1: Download and Display Our Educational Posters
- Scroll down to download a range of educational posters.
- Print these posters in high-quality format to ensure they are eye-catching and readable.
- Display them strategically around your clinic – on walls, doors, and notice boards where clients frequently visit.
- Ensure they are placed at eye level in waiting areas and consultation rooms for maximum visibility.
Tip #2: Engage Your Followers on Social Media
- Utilize Intriquip’s free social media graphics to spread the word online. Just scroll down and download in seconds!
- Share these graphics on your clinic’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
- Tailor your posts with engaging captions that highlight the importance of spaying pets.
- Encourage your followers to share these posts to widen their impact.
Tip #3: Spread the Message via Word of Mouth
- Use every opportunity to educate pet owners during appointments about the benefits of spaying.
- Encourage your staff to have informed conversations with clients about the importance of this cause.
- Offer informational brochures or handouts that clients can take home.
- Organize or participate in community events or talks to further educate the public.