One of the primary reasons that pet owners are encouraged to spay or neuter their pets is to prevent overpopulation, which is a contributing factor to pet homelessness. However, there are a few personal reasons you might want to consider it as well.
If you are in or near Traveler’s Rest, South Carolina, and want to learn more about spaying or neutering your pets, visit Balanced Pets. We believe the best pet owner is an educated pet owner and therefore provide you with resources to help you learn more about how to take care of your pets.
Below, we’ll explore 8 reasons why you should consider having your pets spayed or neutered.
8 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pets
1. Your pet will be healthier and live longer
Spaying female pets reduces their risk of developing breast cancer and uterine infections, which are fatal for 9 out of 10 cats and half of dogs. Neutering male pets reduces their risk of testicular cancer, if the procedure is done before they are 6 months old. In addition to preventing critical illnesses, spaying and neutering prevents unwanted litters.
2. Spayed female pets will not go into heat
While it’s true that cycles vary, during the breeding season, female cats generally go into heat for 4 to 5 days every 3 weeks. During this time, they are extremely vocal and urinate more often- in some cases, all over your house.
Female dogs, on the other hand, typically go into heat 2 times a year for 2 to 4 weeks each time. They usually have a messy discharge and may exhibit other undesirable behaviors.
3. Neutered males won’t want to roam
Intact males do everything they can to find a mate, including digging holes to squeeze out from under a fence or running out the door to get out of the house. Once he’s free, his risk of injury and fights with other animals is increased. This urge is greatly reduced once he has been neutered.
4. Neutered males behave better
Intact males are known to spray strong-smelling urine all over the house to mark their territory. Once a male has been neutered, his attention is on his family. Also, neutering early may prevent him from developing aggressive behaviors.
5. Spaying/Neutering does not make your pet fat
Many pet owners are under the assumption that spaying or neutering their pet will cause them to get fat. However, the primary reason pets get fat is from being overfed and not getting enough exercise. As long as you continue to pay attention to how much they are eating and you provide them with opportunities to be active, they will remain fit and trim.
6. Spaying/Neutering is cost-effective
The cost of spaying or neutering is a lot cheaper than having to care for a litter. In addition, you’re less likely to have to pay for treatment from your unaltered pet escaping and getting into a fight with another animal in the neighborhood or being hit by a car.
7. Spaying/Neutering is good for the community
Strays are a significant problem in many areas in the United States. They are known to cause accidents, frighten people and their pets, carry/spread disease, and so much more. One of the reasons there are so many strays is due to unwanted litters. Spaying and neutering will prevent unwanted litters, which reduces the population of strays.
8. Spaying/Neutering fights pet overpopulation
Each year, millions of pets are euthanized or live on the streets. This is due to unplanned/unwanted litters, which could be prevented by spaying or neutering your pets.
Conclusion
If you are in or near Traveler’s Rest, South Carolina, bring your pet to the experts at Balanced Pets, an integrative veterinary clinic. We not only provide top-notch care for your pets, but we also keep the environment calm so that your pet can relax while you wait. We also offer a variety of resources to help you learn more about properly caring for your pet including preventing problems and making sure they are getting the proper nutrition at all stages.