Of all the decisions you can make for your pet, choosing to get them spayed or neutered is perhaps the most important. Although owners sometimes question the need for this surgery or worry about changing their pet’s personality, spaying and neutering your pet is highly beneficial to their long-term health. Not only does this procedure reduce your pet’s risk for a number of life-threatening conditions, it also helps millions of cats and dogs find homes across the country.
At Noah’s Ark, we’re advocates for animals, which means that we believe in spaying and neutering. Whether you’re on the fence about having it performed on your pet or simply want to learn more about this subject, here are 7 crucial facts about spaying and neutering to keep in mind.
7 Facts That Will Make You Want to Spay and Neuter
1. Overpopulation is a Problem
According to the Humane Society of the United States, an estimated 6-8 million animals enter shelters every year. Less than half are adopted, while the rest (roughly 2.7 million) are euthanized—because there simply isn’t enough room. Boarding space in shelters and welcoming homes is extremely limited. Because of this, millions of perfectly healthy, innocent, and loving pets never become someone’s companion or enjoy the safety and warmth of a permanent home. By choosing to spay and neuter, you’ll prevent unwanted offspring and help support the adoption of other animals.
2. Spaying/Neutering Your Pet Improves Their Health
The benefits don’t stop there, either. By choosing to spay and neuter your pet, you can significantly reduce their risk of developing certain forms of cancer. Unspayed female cats and dogs, for example, have a greater chance of developing life-threatening breast tumors and uterine infections. Likewise, unneutered male cats and dogs are actually at risk for testicular cancer. Spaying or neutering your pet gives them the best chance at a healthy, happy lifestyle.
3. –And Their Behavior
Spaying and neutering your pet can sometimes improve their general behavior as well.
Some owners worry (unnecessarily) that neutering too soon will cause their male cat or dog to become “less masculine” –but in actuality, neutering male dogs and cats helps prevent certain undesirable behaviors, like urine marking and mounting. By decreasing their level of testosterone, your male cat or dog will also be less likely to roam away from home in search of a mate. Likewise, spaying your female cat or dog will prevent them from going into heat, a period in which they howl and urinate more frequently.
4. It Benefits Your Community
Apart from helping your dog or cat, spaying and neutering your pet often benefits your community as well. When females are in heat, male animals of the species are much more likely to wander away from home. In turn, they may get into neighboring yards, garbage cans, or even roam in the streets and cause car accidents—or get hit! By spaying and neutering your pet, you’ll help to ensure their safety and everyone else’s.
5. It Saves You Money in the Long Run
Think of it this way: you could spay or neuter your pet, or you could feed, vaccinate, and care for a litter of 5-8 pups or kittens. Alternatively, you could spay and neuter, or you could spend thousands of dollars on cancer treatments for your pet. In the long run, choosing the former is the most responsible and cost-effective choice.
6. Many States Offer Low-Cost Programs
If you’re worried about the price of the procedure, there are several options available to help cover the cost. Most shelters, veterinarians, and organizations are truly passionate about overcrowding and overpopulation, and they want to help reduce the numbers of animals without homes. That’s why many clinics and shelters across the country provide low-cost spay and neuter services. To find one near you, visit the Humane Society of the United States’ search engine.
7. You’ll Ensure That Your Pet Lives a Long Life
Finally, spaying and neutering your pet is the best way to ensure that they live a long and happy life. By choosing to spay and neuter, you’ll help your pet avoid harmful medical conditions, life-threatening situations, and stay healthy for years to come.
Your pet is an important part of your family, and you want to do everything you can to keep them at their healthiest and happiest. Contact Us today at Noah’s Ark Veterinary Hospital to learn more about how you can care for your pet and help millions of others in the process.