3 Reasons To Spay And Neuter Your Pets

Spaying or neutering your pet is an important part of their health. Unfortunately, some pet owners continue to leave their pet unaltered, which can have devastating effects on the pet and the overall pet population.

Reduce Unwanted Animals

The most obvious reason to spay and neuter is to reduce the incidence of unwanted litters that inevitably end up in shelters or roaming the streets as strays. Many of the personal reasons for leaving pets unaltered are caused by people who erroneously give human traits to their pets. Male animals do not have the same attachment to their anatomy. Your pet will not be affected in some adverse way if they are no longer fertile. To an animal, their genitals are just another part of their anatomy, like a leg or tail. Additionally, animals mate purely to procreate and because of hormonal changes, not because of sexual curiosity or the desire for intimacy.

Prevent Undesirable Behavior

One of the most common undesirable behaviors seen in unaltered pets is marking their territory. This behavior is more common in male animals and is not always eliminated by neutering. However, if you neuter your pet before they reach sexual maturity, they are unlikely to mark their territory. You would likely be unhappy if your pet started urinating inside your home and on your belongings because it is trying to keep other animals away. Another undesirable behavior that can be associated with unaltered animals is they can be more aggressive. The goal of having a pet for most people is to have a cherished member of the family, not an unpredictable creature that is not safe to be around.

Better Pet Health

Pets that have been spayed or neutered generally have better overall health and longevity. Since there is no chance of them becoming pregnant or impregnating another animal, the risk of sexually transmitted diseases is eliminated. Other diseases, such as those transmitted through deep bites or scratches is also reduced because your pet is unlikely to suffer these types of injuries. Unaltered pets tend to roam, no matter how much you try to keep them inside. They will often slip outside once the door is open. Large dogs may be strong enough to break through fences or otherwise free themselves if a neighborhood dog is "in heat." This leaves unaltered pets vulnerable to motor-vehicle traffic or unkind strangers.

Spaying or neutering your pet is the right choice if you want to be a responsible pet owner. Additionally, spaying and neutering can prevent undesirable behaviors or consequences that often contribute to the abandonment of pets and their litters. Talk with a local veterinarian like Caring Hands Animal Hospital for more information.