This blog article discusses the top benefits of spaying or neutering your pet, whether it’s a male dog or a female cat. We’re also going to dispel a few common myths about sterilization. So why should you spay or neuter your pets? Keep reading to find out.
Spaying and neutering are both surgical procedures that sterilize an animal. Spaying is the removal of the ovaries and uterus, while neutering is the removal of the testicles. Thus, spaying refers to female cats or dogs, and neutering refers to male pets.
Why Should You Spay or Neuter Your Pets?
Here are the main reasons why altering your pets is so important.
It Reduces the Stray Pet Overpopulation
One of the main reasons why you should spay or neuter your pet is to help reduce the homeless animal population. Every year, millions of animals are euthanized because there are too many animals and not enough homes for them all. Spaying or neutering your pet can help reduce the number of animals in shelters.
Your Pets Live Longer and Healthier Lives
Another benefit of spaying or neutering your pet is that it can help them live a longer and healthier life. Animals that are spayed or neutered tend to have fewer health problems than those that are not. They also have a lower risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as testicular cancer.
Neutered Pets Exhibit Better Behavior
They’re also less likely to mark their territory–in other words, urinate in the house. Although this habit is typically associated with male dogs, a female pet can also do this. Spaying or neutering your dog might help decrease urine marking and even eliminate the behavior.
Cats also benefit from spaying and neutering. Neutering solves 90 percent of all marking problems in felines. Neutered pets also tend to be much calmer and less aggressive than those that are not. Male cats can stop howling, roaming, and fighting with other males. Male dogs can stop excessive barking, and hyperactive behavior declines.
Spaying and Neutering Saves You Money
Pet owners who spay or neuter their pets can also save money in the long run. Pets that are not altered are much more likely to develop certain diseases; they also can roam and fight with other animals, which can end up costing you a lot of money in veterinary bills. Therefore, spaying or neutering your pet is not only good for them, but it’s also good for your wallet!
Myths About Spaying or Neutering Your Pet
Now that we’ve discussed the top benefits of spaying or neutering your pet let’s dispel some misconceptions about it.
Myth: Pets Will Become Lazy or Fat
Many think spaying or neutering their pets will make them lazy or fat. This myth is not true! Animals become overweight when fed too much and do not get enough exercise. As your pet matures, you must modify its diet to accommodate a more sedentary lifestyle.
Myth: It’s Too Expensive
Another myth about spaying or neutering is that it’s costly. While the initial expense may be higher than not doing it, spaying or neutering your pet can save you money in the long run (as we mentioned earlier).
Myth: Before Being Spayed, Female Dogs and Cats Should Have at Least One Litter
The fact is that allowing a dog or cat to have a litter before spaying has no medical basis. In reality, spaying female dogs and cats eliminate the chance of developing uterine or ovarian cancer and reduces the risk of mammary cancer.
Myth: Sterilization Has a Detrimental Influence on Behavior
The only changes in dog or cat behavior after spaying or neutering are positive ones. Male cats tend to reduce territorial spraying depending on their age at sterilization.
Neutering your dog or cat may help prevent fights, which results in fewer bite and scratch wounds and the prevention of contagious diseases. Because they no longer wander in search of a partner, male dogs and cats are more likely to stay at home after neutering.
Myth: Spaying and Neutering Are Not Pleasant Experiences for Dogs or Cats
A veterinarian performs surgical sterilization. The patient is not aware of the operation itself. After the surgery, mild discomfort may occur, but most animals recover and resume normal activity in 24 to 72 hours.
The minimal pain that spayed or neutered dogs and cats endure can be lessened with post-operative pain medicines.
When Should You Spay or Neuter Your Pet?
The best time to spay or neuter your pet is before they reach sexual maturity. For dogs, this is typically between six and nine months of age. For cats, it’s around four to six months of age. Spaying or neutering your pet at this age will help ensure that your animal experiences the maximum health benefits and fewest risks.
Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. If you have an older pet that hasn’t been spayed or neutered, don’t worry! It’s never too late to do it. Just be sure to talk to your veterinarian about any health concerns that need to be addressed.
The Takeaways
We hope this article has helped dispel some myths about spaying and neutering your pets. As you can see, doing it has many benefits for your pet’s health and your wallet. So if you haven’t already, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to have your pet spayed or neutered. It’s one of the best things you can do for them!
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