Spaying and neutering is not just a way to prevent undesirable litters, there are also several less well known benefits for your pet. Here are the top ten reasons to spay or neuter your pet.
Spaying may improve the health of your female pet
Having a female pet spayed before her first heat can help to protect her against serious diseases like breast cancer and uterine infections. Breast cancer in dogs is fatal about 50% of the time and, for cats, it is fatal 90% of the time.
Having a female pet spayed means she will not go into heat
In addition to bleeding, female pets may spray urine and they will become very vocal in their quest to find a mate when they are in heat.
Neutering a male pet can reduce the risk for disease
Testicular cancer is one of the most common tumors in older unneutered male dogs. Early castration is key to the prevention.
Having a male pet neutered can help curb unwanted behavior
Intact male pets will go to great lengths to find a mate, especially if they sense a nearby female in heat. This could lead to your dog escaping from the house or exhibiting urine-marking behavior.
Neutering male pets may improve their behavior
In addition to urine-marking behavior, intact males also tend to be a little more aggressive than neutered males. Rather than seeking a mate, neutered males are more focused on their human companions.
Spay and neuter surgery makes financial sense
The cost of having your pet spayed or neutered is much lower than the cost of caring for a litter of puppies or kittens.
Spaying and neutering pets can increase their life expectancy
According to a report published by Banfield Pet Hospital, neutered male cats live 62 percent longer than unneutered males, spayed female cats live 39 percent longer than unspayed females, neutered male dogs live 18 percent longer than unneutered males and spayed female dogs live 23 percent longer than unspayed female dogs.All figures quoted are averages from the report.
Having pets spayed and neutered is good for the community
If you have your pet spayed or neutered, it removes the possibility of your pet producing an unwanted litter or impregnating another pet.
Spaying and neutering pets does not make them fat
It is a common misconception that spaying or neutering pets makes them lazy, but this is not the case. It is your responsibility to make sure your pet gets enough exercise and that it has a healthy diet.
Having pets spayed and neutered is the best way to reduce pet overpopulation
Every year, shelters and rescue agencies are flooded with unwanted puppies and kittens. By having your pet spayed or neutered, you can make a small contribution in the fight against pet overpopulation.
Having your pet spayed or neutered can be very beneficial. Not only will it help to control pet overpopulation, but it will also help your pet to live a longer, healthier life.
Content reviewed by a veterinarian
