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Why is Spaying and Neutering So Important?

September 1 2016

Veterinarians agree—spaying or neutering your pet early on in life is one of the best things you can ever do for their health and happiness. Learn about some of the many benefits of the procedure from your vet in McHenry, IL:

Cancer Risk

When a male or female pet is spayed or neutered, the risk of genital cancer is virtually eliminated. In addition, the likelihood of other cancer types, like breast or prostate cancer, is greatly lowered. Responding to cancers of these types later in life will not only be time consuming and costly, it will be heartbreaking. Save yourself the trouble and have your pet spayed or neutered early.

Other Health Issues

Spaying or neutering your pet has other health benefits as well. Did you know that common problems such as urinary tract infections—a health issue that is particularly common among our feline friends—are far less likely to occur in a pet who has been spayed or neutered? A UTI will require medication and veterinary office visits to deal with later, and it will cause your pet suffering. Why not avoid the problem initially with a simple procedure?

Improved Behavior

When it comes to you and your pet’s home life, spaying and neutering is one of the best ways to keep things positive. That’s because pets who have been spayed or neutered behave far better on the whole than pets who have not had the procedure performed. Animals who remain intact are much more likely to exhibit house soiling, urine spraying, aggressive behavior, chewing, digging, scratching, loud vocalizations, and other undesirable behaviors. Plus, pets who have been fixed aren’t as likely to roam when mating season arrives, reducing the likelihood of a lost pet.

The Broader Benefit

Of course, there is a broader benefit to having your pet spayed or neutered. Every year, millions of pets across the nation go homeless or must be euthanized, simply because there aren’t enough families or homes to take them all in! By keeping your pet intact, you’re contributing to unrestricted breeding and only further exacerbating the homeless pet epidemic. Don’t be a part of the problem—contact your veterinarian to have your pet spayed or neutered early on in life.

Our Advice on Why Spaying and Neutering So Important

What are the cancer risks associated with not spaying or neutering pets?

Not spaying or neutering pets can increase their risk of developing genital cancer. In females, the risk of uterine and ovarian cancers is virtually eliminated with spaying. Additionally, spaying significantly reduces the likelihood of breast cancer, especially if done before the first heat cycle. In males, neutering reduces the risk of testicular cancer. Both genders benefit from a lower risk of other cancers like prostate and mammary cancers. Preventing these cancers through early spaying or neutering saves pets from suffering and reduces the emotional and financial burden on pet owners.

What other health issues can be prevented by spaying or neutering pets?

Spaying or neutering pets can prevent various health issues beyond cancer. One significant benefit is reducing the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are common in intact pets, particularly among cats. UTIs require medication and veterinary visits and can cause discomfort to pets. Spaying or neutering can positively impact behavior, reducing the likelihood of undesirable actions such as house soiling, urine spraying, aggression, and destructive behaviors like chewing and scratching. It also helps curb roaming tendencies during mating season, decreasing the chances of pets getting lost. Overall, early spaying or neutering promotes better health and behavior in pets.

How does spaying or neutering impact a pet’s behavior?

Spaying or neutering has a positive impact on a pet’s behavior. It reduces undesirable behaviors commonly associated with intact animals, such as house soiling, urine spraying, aggression, chewing, digging, scratching, and loud vocalizations. Pets spayed or neutered tend to be calmer and more well-behaved, making them easier to train and integrate into a household. Additionally, fixed pets are less likely to roam searching for mates during mating seasons, reducing the risk of getting lost or injured. Spaying or neutering contributes to a more harmonious and enjoyable relationship between pets and their owners.

What is the broader societal benefit of spaying or neutering pets?

The broader societal benefit of spaying or neutering pets is a significant reduction in homeless and euthanized animals. Each year, millions of pets face homelessness or euthanasia due to overpopulation. Spaying or neutering our pets prevents unrestricted breeding, which helps control the pet population. This, in turn, reduces the burden on animal shelters and rescues, allowing them to focus their resources on caring for animals in need. It also contributes to a more responsible and compassionate society, where we actively work to address the issue of pet overpopulation and reduce the suffering of animals without homes.

Where can pet owners get more information about the spaying or neutering procedure?

Pet owners can obtain more information about the spaying or neutering procedure by contacting their local veterinarian. Veterinarians are knowledgeable about the procedure and can provide detailed explanations, address any concerns, and schedule appointments for the surgery. Additionally, many veterinary clinics have informational resources on their websites or can provide pamphlets and educational materials to pet owners interested in learning more about the benefits and process of spaying or neutering their pets. It’s recommended to consult with a trusted veterinarian to get accurate and personalized information regarding this necessary procedure for pet health and population control.

Do you have further questions about the spaying or neutering procedure? Is your dog or cat in need of the procedure? Make an appointment with your McHenry, IL vet.