Spay / Neuter

Importance of Spaying & Neutering: The Pet Encyclopedia

Having your pet spayed or neutered provides many benefits. These include health benefits for your pet, benefits for yourself and global benefits. If you are on the fence about having one of these valuable procedures performed on your furry friend, the following information will help you make a decision that is right for you and your pet.

Health Benefits

There are numerous health benefits involved when you spay or neuter your pet. In female cats and dogs, there is a huge risk of illnesses such as mammary cancer and pyometra. Pyometra is a very serious infection in a dog's uterus that can lead to death if not caught and treated right away. Uterine cancer in females, prostate cancer and testicular cancer in males, and other cancers of the reproductive system are also possible when dealing with an unaltered dog or cat.

Experts estimate that neutered male dogs live approximately 18% longer than their unaltered counterparts, while spayed female dogs live approximately 23% longer than unspayed dogs. These are all great reasons to have your dog spayed or neutered.

Behavioral Issues

There are many behavioral issues seen in unaltered dogs and cats that parents of spayed or neutered pets don't deal with. These issues include aggression and the urge to roam to find a partner. Spayed and neutered dogs and cats are also more affectionate with their owners and other people, and get along better with other pets, both inside the home and out in the world. There are also other unwanted behaviors that come with leaving your pet's reproductive system intact, such as spraying, bleeding, and other issues that are rectified when the pet is altered.

Global Impact

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) advises that nearly four million adoptable cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters each year in the United States alone. These pets are put down because there are simply not enough homes to go around. That means that only about one in five dogs that are born ever finds a loving furever home. Even more devastating for cats is the fact that only one in eight cats born ever finds a furever home. By spaying or neutering your cat or dog, you help combat the problem of massive pet overpopulation and keep a shelter from dealing with yet another litter of unwanted puppies or kittens.

The benefits of having your pet spayed or neutered far outweigh any risks. Advances in modern veterinary medicine have made spay and neuter surgeries nearly as simple as basic grooming. Your pet is normally in and out of the surgery room the same day. And the cost of the surgery is far less than the cost of finding homes for an unplanned litter of puppies or kittens. You'll also save money on healthcare when you have your pet spayed or neutered.

When you are ready to add another pet to your home, you can adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue instead of having another litter, so even more dogs will be helped by your decision to spay or neuter. If your pet has not had this surgery yet, it is in your best interest to schedule an appointment with your vet today!