Each year roughly 7.6 million dogs and cats enter animal shelters across the country. Of these animals, only 10% are spayed or neutered upon entering a shelter. Considering the average intact female dog can produce 1 litter per year and the average intact female cat can produce 1-2 litters per year, it’s no wonder there are so many homeless pets in the United States.
Permanent sterilization is more than just a way to prevent unwanted litter, however. It turns out that having your pet spayed or neutered is also one of the most important health decisions you’ll make for him or her.
Spaying Or Neutering Has Lifelong Health Benefits
Spaying or neutering is important to your pet’s overall wellness care. Animals that have been “fixed” are at decreased risk for a variety of behavioral and health-related issues.
- Spaying offers significant protection against uterine infections and mammary tumors, cancerous in about 50% of dogs and 90% of cats. Having your pet spayed before her first heat cycle gives her the best chance of avoiding these diseases.
- Neutering your male pet decreases the incidence of prostate problems and completely eliminates testicular cancer. Intact dogs are also at a higher risk for perianal gland tumors.
Let’s Not Forget The Behavioral Benefits!
Having your pet spayed or neutered can reduce or prevent a host of annoying or destructive behaviors:
- Since a neutered male won’t be actively searching for a “significant other,” he is less likely to try and escape the house or yard and more likely to be content at home.
- Spayed females do not go into heat, meaning you won’t have to contend with the yowling and frequent urinating that typically accompany a heat cycle.
- Spayed and neutered pets are more likely to focus their attention on their human families, which often leads to better behavior overall.
Taking A Stand
Approximately 2.7 million homeless dogs and cats are euthanized every year simply because there isn’t the space or resources to care for them. By having your pet spayed or neutered, you are effectively doing your part in the fight against this sad statistic.
