Whether you are adopting a puppy or kitten, or bringing home an adult pet from a shelter, one of the best things you can do to establish a healthy future for your new pet is schedule them to be spayed or neutered. Spaying involves removing the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus from female pets, rendering them unable to reproduce and eliminating the heat cycle. Neutering involves removing the testicles from male pets, so they are unable to reproduce and have no production of reproductive hormones, which drive negative behaviors like aggression and marking territory. These procedures can be performed by your primary veterinary care provider, and there are many reasons to have these procedures done for your cat or dog.
Health Benefits
Spaying and neutering help pets live longer, healthier lives. For female dogs and cats, the possibility of uterine and ovarian cancer is eliminated after spaying. For males, there is a lower risk of prostate cancer after neutering. Additionally, neutered animals are less likely to roam and fight, so they have a lower risk of injuries.
Behavioral Benefits
Pet owners are better able to establish affectionate bonds with their pets following spaying and neutering. Spayed and neutered animals are less likely to bite or show aggression. Neutered cats spray and mark territory less often, and spayed cats and dogs do not experience the nervous behavior, vocalization, and other negative effects of being in heat.
Community Benefits
When pets are spayed and neutered, the whole community benefits. Animal shelters across the country are overwhelmed with a surplus of animals, which often come from unwanted litters. Additionally, responsible breeding reduces instances of dog attacks.
If you have questions about spaying or neutering your pet, contact your veterinarian today. Spaying and neutering early in life offers the most benefits for your pet’s health and behavior, but it’s never too late to schedule these procedures.