Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet

Pets/Animals - Pets - Pet Issues

By: jangilmer67 11-Jan-2011

Introduction:

As someone who has been involved with animal rescue, in some fashion, for most of my adult life, I often spout the importance of spaying/neutering peoples' pets.

My first response when asked why is to site the many issues dealing with the overpopulation problem, but there are so many other reasons that make this step a wise one for any responsible pet parent.

Let's explore some of those...

Eliminate Additions to the Pet Overpopulation Problem

As stated above, this is a big issue in animal rescue - the flood of unwanted animals added to the already overburdened shelters and rescues trying to deal with the animals already in their care.

I tire, very quickly, of hearing the inane reasons people come up with for allowing their pets to breed (i.e. so children can experience it, it's better for the animal to have a litter first, it will change their personality). PLEASE, do your research and educate yourself before making these absurd & false conclusions)

Longer, Happier, Healthier Life For You Pet

Contrary to some people thinking it is better for a female pet to have a litter first, spaying before her first heat reduces your female dog's (and cat's) chances of uterine & ovarian cancer and breast cancer. Breast cancer is fatal in about 50% of unspayed female dogs.

On the same line, if you neuter your male dogs before 6 months of age, you greatly reduce your dog's risk of testicular and prostate cancers.

Give your pet the best chance at a longer healthier life by spaying and neutering them early.

Avoid Heat Cycle

Spaying your female pet will eliminate all the mess and annoying side effects that are associated with the heat cycle.

You will not have to deal with things like yowling cats (females in heat making LOUD howling noises or the males outside wanting to mate with them), no blood to clean up all over the house and no issues with urination all over to attract the males.

I would think some of these things would be enough incentive for some to get their pets fixed.

Pet's Safety

It is true that there are certain breeds that are 'prone to roam', but for many, neutering your males will lessen this urge. Keeping your dogs from roaming will greatly reduce the chance of injuries from vehicle accidents, fights with other animals, and harm from ill-intentioned humans.

Give your pets that extra protection by helping reduce their urges to wander off.

Calmer Behavior

Neutering males eliminates their drive to mate which in turn may make them calmer and quieter as well as reducing fights among other males.

Spay the females and you also quiet them as they are no longer on the hunt to attract males with which to mate. Many say that spayed cats are also gentler and more affectionate.

Final Thoughts

Of course there are other benefits, for instance did you know that neutering creates a less allergenic cat? There are studies that have shown that a neutered male cat may cause less allergic reactions in humans due to a drop in the hormones that are the cause of major cat allergens.

There are so many different reasons and benefits to getting your pets spayed/neutered that at least one of them should resonate with every pet parent.

Be a responsible pet parent, get your pet spayed/neutered for their health, your peace of mind and to aid in the reduction of unwanted animals.

Give this list a high five!

Comments

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goodselfme 2/14/2012
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Great reasons to keep in mind for oneself and to tell others too.h5
clewand550 1/11/2011
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All good reasons. Both of my dogs have been spayed as a puppy.