There are many benefits for pets when you spay and neuter them at a young age. Besides the obvious benefit of preventing unwanted pregnancies, pet neutering offers some valuable health benefits as well. If you are like many other pet owners, you probably think of your furry friend as a cherished family member and will do anything to keep it healthy.
Importance of Spaying and Neutering Pets
- Benefits to Spaying – Spaying is performed on your female dog or cat while they are under a general anesthetic. The procedure is easiest on animals while they are young; however, it is okay for you to spay your older animals as well. It is best to spay your pet before it has its first heat cycle. Dogs and cats that have not been spayed are at a higher risk of developing such things as ovarian or mammary cancer than animals that have been sterilized. Unaltered pets are also at a higher risk of developing infections in the uterus than those that have been altered, and these conditions can be fatal.
- Benefits of Neutering – The benefits to cat and dog neutering are plentiful. During pet neutering, the animal’s testicles are removed from their scrotum. This is a very easy procedure, and you can typically bring your pet home later the same day. Dogs and cats that are not neutered have a higher risk of developing testicular cancer than those that have been altered.Dog and cat neutering should also be done at an early age, as it will help to eliminate much of their aggressive behavior. When you neuter your dog, it will usually stop cocking its leg to mark its territory. Cat neutering helps reduce or even eliminate spraying in felines as well.
- Benefits Common to Both Sexes – Cats and dogs that are spayed or neutered are also less likely to have housebreaking accidents. Since females tend to urinate more often during heat seasons, spaying them can eliminate this problem. Additionally, cat and dog neutering can eliminate marking when there is a female in heat.
Many people think that if they spay or neuter their dog or cat, it will become fat. However, this is not always true. Some animals do become less active after being altered, but this can be remedied with regular exercise and walks. You can put them on a special diet as well, but make sure you seek your veterinarian’s opinion first.
As you can see, there are many fantastic benefits for pets when you spay and neuter them. Not only will your pet be much calmer and less likely to have housebreaking accidents, but the procedure will also help to eliminate many different health concerns.
