The Benefits of Spaying or Neutering your Pet
Puppies and kittens sure are cute, but every year millions of unwanted dogs and cats, including puppies and kittens, are euthanized. Spaying and neutering prevents unwanted litters, helps protect against some serious health problems, and may reduce many of the behavioral problems associated with the mating instinct.
We believe in compassionate dog care and therefore are adamant about educating people on why spay and neuter procedures are integral components of responsible dog ownership. There are many reasons to spay (female pets) or neuter (male pets) your dog or cat that will benefit you both!
The Benefits
There are many valid reasons to spay and neuter your dog, including the approximately 3.7 million animals that are euthanized at shelters annually due to the sheer fact that there are not enough willing adopters. Spay and neuter procedures ensure that you are not adding to this number. Aside from helping to control animal homelessness, there are also medical and behavioral benefits to spaying and neutering your pets.
Health and Behavior
- Decreases your pet’s risk for certain infections and cancers. Spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast tumors, which are malignant or cancerous in about 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats. Spaying your pet before her first heat offers the best protection from these diseases. Neutering your male companion prevents testicular cancer and some prostate problems (ASPCA)
- Avoid the stress of heat cycles. In an effort to advertise for mates, your female pet will yowl and urinate more frequesntly and often inappropriately – what a mess!
- Reduces your male pets need to roam. An unneutered male will go to great legnths to find a mate, including finding creative ways escape from the house, risking injury in traffic and fights with other male animals
- Curbs inappropriate behaviors Unneutered dogs and cats are more likely to mark their territory by spraying strong-smelling urine all over the house. Your dog might be less likely to mount other dogs, people and inanimate objects after he’s neutered. Some aggression problems may be avoided by early neutering.
Cost Effective
The cost of your pet’s spay/neuter surgery is far less than the cost of having and caring for a litter. Not to mention the long-term costs potentially incurred by a non-altered pet.
When should I spay or neuter my pet?
Consult your veterinarian about the most appropriate time to spay or neuter your pet based upon his/her breed, age and physical condition. Our experienced veterinary staff is here to help answer any questions or quell any concerns you might have, as well as to help schedule a surgical appointment for your canine companion at our spay and neuter clinic.