Benefits of Spaying/Neutering

Whether to spay or neuter your pet is one of the most important decisions regarding your pet. Spaying refers to the removal of the uterus and ovaries of a female pet. Neutering is the removal of the testicles of a male pet. Spaying and neutering influence your pet’s long-term health, and by extension, your wallet. The following are the benefits of spaying or neutering your pet:

It Increases the Pet’s Health and Life Span

Research indicates that spayed and neutered pets live significantly longer life spans than those that are not. The reduced life span is thought to be due to a heightened urge to roam. Outside, they are exposed to fights, accidents, and infections that degenerate their lives.

Longevity also goes up because of a decreased risk of various types of cancers. When intact, female cats and dogs risk developing breast and reproductive system cancers. The risk of developing pyometra, a fatal uterine infection, also increases. Intact male pets stand the chance of having testicular and prostate cancer. Spaying and neutering take out the prone organs, eliminating the disease risk factors.

It Prevents the Female From Going Into Heat

Female dogs and cats go into heat for several days every three weeks during the mating season. In their search for mates, they yowl and frequently pee, sometimes all over your floor. Spaying them prevents them from going into heat in the first place.

It Keeps the Male From Roaming

When looking for a mate, a male cat or dog will do just about anything. He may escape through narrow passages and dig under the fence to make his way out of your compound. On getting out, he roams and may mate with an unwell female, fight with other males, or get injured in traffic. This behavior brings loss and introduces pet diseases to your home. Neutering him keeps him within reach.

Your Pet Does Not Grow Fat

Spaying or neutering does not make your pet fat. Weight is the outcome of both feeding and exercise. If your pet overfeeds and fails to exercise, it gains the extra pounds, whether neutered or not. Ensure that the pet remains active and eats an optimal amount of food.

Neutered Animals Are Well-Behaved

When the animal is neutered, it shifts its focus to the human family rather than making its own. In this way, the pet serves the purpose for which it is kept. For example, security dogs remain at their post instead of roaming to look for mates. Also, they do not have aggression problems as unneutered pets do.

It Encourages Sustainable Populations

A spay/neuter surgery keeps your pets from reproducing. In this way, you only own the number of pets you can care for comfortably. If the litter is too large, some owners release a part of it to the streets. The release increases the number of strays and makes animals susceptible to harm. Unfortunately, millions of cats and dogs from the streets are euthanized every year. By cutting your cat’s or dog’s reproductive ability, you play your part in preventing unwanted litters.

It Is Cost-Effective

Without population control, you would end up with multiple pets. A spay/neuter procedure costs far much less than it would cost to care for a litter. With a reduced likelihood of falling sick, your pets will not frequent the veterinarian’s office.

Spaying or neutering has many benefits for your cat or dog. For consultation and surgery, visit the Lakeville Family Pet Clinic in Lakeville, Minnesota. You can also call 952-595-6500 to book your appointment.