Five Good Reasons Why You Should Spay or Neuter Your Pet

Spaying or neutering your pet will ensure a healthy start when you first bring home your new animal companion. It may be an excellent decision impacting your pet’s long-term health. Whether you are doing it for the good of your furry friend or the greater good, spaying or neutering has many benefits.

Pet Health and Longevity

The average lifespan of neutered or spayed dogs and cats is demonstrably longer than that of intact ones. According to one study, the life expectancy of a spayed female dog is 26.3 percent longer, while that of a neutered male dog is 13.8 percent longer. Another study on a database of more than two million dogs and hundreds of thousands of cats reflects similar findings. 

The reduced lifespan of intact pets may be due to an increased urge to roam. That can expose them to injuries, trauma, infections, and other mishaps. Furthermore, altered pets have a reduced risk of certain cancers, such as uterine, mammary glands, testicular, and others. 

Curb Negative Behavior

Intact pets are more prone to urine marking than altered ones. Although most people associate this behavior with male dogs, females may do it too. The urge to spray is powerful in unaltered cats.

Neutering or spaying should reduce this behavior or stop it altogether. It can solve up to 90 percent of all marking problems, even in cats. It can also minimize the desire to roam, howl, and fight with other animals. 

Neutering and spaying can alleviate the following behavioral problems:

• In-heat behaviors like rolling, yowling, and demanding

• Excessive mounting activity

• Excessive barking

• Roaming when in heat

• Specific forms of aggressive behavior

Cost Savings

The possible long-term medical costs for intact pets encourage many pet owners to consider neutering and spaying. Given the plethora of affordable neuter/spay clinics not available, the savings afforded are clear. 

For example, caring for a pet with cancer can run into thousands of dollars. That is more than ten times as much as a routine neuter or spay surgery. Also, unaltered pets are more likely to fight with other animals, resulting in injuries and high veterinary costs.

Less Desire to Mate

Male dogs will visit your yard frequently when you have a female dog in heat. That will increase the chances of your pet getting pregnant. Chances of altercations with sexually aggressive dogs are also high. 

Spaying or neutering your pet will eliminate the likelihood of accidental litters. Your pet will be less likely to roam the neighborhood searching for a mate, minimizing the risks of getting lost, hit by a vehicle, or fighting with other animals. Reduced aggression will also reduce the risk of bites or scratches involving humans.

Better for the Community

Neutering or spaying makes your community a safer and better place for other people and animals around you. It lowers the number of homeless animals on the streets and in shelters, lowering the euthanasia rate. Furthermore, it helps homeless pets find homes faster since fewer irresponsible breeders contribute to pet overpopulation. 

The benefits of spaying and neutering far outweigh the potential risks associated with surgery. As with any other medical procedure, it is best to consult an experienced and trustworthy veterinarian about whether neutering or spaying is right for your animal friend. 

For more on pet neutering and spaying or to book a visit, call Community Pet Outreach at (972) 848-8930 to reach our office in Lewisville, Texas.