Importance of Spaying or Neutering Your Pet

by Tina Knight

Some people struggle with the decision of whether to spay or neuter their pets. Others may feel that it is simply not necessary. This article will discuss three very important reasons to have your pets spayed or neutered.

Health

Pets that are not spayed or neutered are more prone to illnesses, some of which can be very serious. Female pets that are not spayed are more likely to develop breast cancer and urinary tract infections. Male dogs that are not neutered are more likely to develop prostate gland infections. Therefore, spaying or neutering your dog or cat when they are young can save you from having major veterinary expenses later. Some people believe that it is better to let a dog or cat have a litter of puppies or kittens before they are spayed. There is simply no truth to this. Most veterinarians recommend having your pet spayed or neutered at or before six months of age.

Behavior

Several behavioral issues can be curbed or completely remedied by having your pet spayed or neutered. Pets that are spayed or neutered are less likely to fight with other animals. They are less driven by sexual instinct and are therefore less likely to roam. This also makes them easier to train. Often, un-neutered male cats will spray around the house, which can ruin furniture and is nearly impossible to clean completely. Female dogs that are not spayed will bleed when in heat, which can also stain carpets and furniture. Thus, spaying and neutering can save money on cleaning. Female cats in heat will yowl and become very anxious. Spaying solves this annoying behavior. Overall, living with a spayed or neutered pet is a more pleasant experience for most people than living with one that is not altered.

Contrary to what many people think, pets are never too old to spay or neuter and, doing so to a senior pet is no more dangerous or likely to cause personality changes than with a puppy. In fact, some doctors specialize in performing these techniques on senior animals. Talk to your vet about options for your unfixed senior pet.

Pet overpopulation

There is a huge pet overpopulation problem in the US and the failure of pet owners to have their pets spayed or neutered results in the deaths of millions of unwanted pets every year. Some estimates say that every four seconds an unwanted pet is euthanized in this country. According to statistics, one un-spayed female cat and her offspring could produce up to 420,000 kittens in seven years. One un-spayed female dog and her offspring could produce up to 67,000 puppies in six years. The numbers are staggering. The majority of these pets will be abandoned on the streets to fend for themselves or, dumped at shelters where most are euthanized.

Don’t let cost be a deterrent for having your pets spayed or neutered. It's a relatively inexpensive surgery, typically under $300. There are also many programs available to assist with cost including low-cost or even free spaying and neutering. Check with your local shelter or go to http://spayusa.org/ to find more information on low-cost spay and neuter programs in your area. A spayed or neutered pet is a happier, healthier pet.