Many well-intentioned pet owners still find making the choice to spay or neuter their pet a difficult one. This is largely due to the many misconceptions associated with this very basic surgery. However the reality is pets that are spayed or neutered typically live much longer, healthier, and happier lives and are also helping to solve the serious problem of pet overpopulation. You may have a pet at home or have a friend with a dog or cat that has not yet had this simple surgery. Here are some of the reasons that spaying or neutering is one of the best things you can do for your pet, yourself, and your community: Spayed or neutered pets are typically better behaved, calmer, and more affectionate than those that are not altered. Male animals are less likely to mark their territory by urinating or spraying and less likely to run away in an attempt to find a female; no, this does not. This does not, however, mean you should leave your neutered animal outside unattended. Spaying an animal eliminates their heat cycle and the undesirable elements of a heat cycle such as bleeding, crying, and nervous behaviors. Every year approximately 4 million animals, the vast majority of which are medically and behaviorally adoptable, are euthanized. By spaying or neutering your pet you are directly helping to reduce this number. In female dog and cats, spaying before the first heat cycle virtually eliminates the risk of mammary cancer and greatly reduces the risk of all most cancers. (breast, uterine, prostate, and testicular). Every heat cycle increases the risk, and half of mammary cancers are malignant in dogs. Unspayed females also risk developing pyometra, a type of uterine infection, and of course, may suffer complications from pregnancy. Animals that come in with fractures, gunshot wounds, prostate problems, and testicular cancer are almost invariably unneutered males Spaying or Neutering means your animal is likely to live a longer and healthier life, and decreases the number of stray animals which results in a decrease in animal bites (to both humans and pets), car accidents, and destruction to property. Spayed and neutered animals get along better with each other and exhibit less aggression issues towards animals of the same gender. Spaying and neutering are straightforward surgeries and are performed under anesthesia. Like any surgical procedure, there is some risk but the overall incidence of complications is extremely low.
Posted on: Thu, 08 Aug 2013 12:57:56 +0000
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