Benefits of Spaying and Neutering Your Pets
Spaying and neutering (the surgical procedures intended to sterilize female and male pets respectively) are considered routine surgeries. However, they are still surgeries, and electing any surgery for your pet is a serious decision.
Although you should carefully consider your options for your pet’s veterinary care, spaying and neutering surgeries have a variety of benefits that, in the opinion of most veterinarians, far outweigh any risks associated with the procedures.
The Benefits of Spaying and Neutering Pets
If you do not plan to breed your cat or dog, then we strongly encourage you to consider having them spayed or neutered for the following benefits.
Prevents and Reduces the Risk of Reproductive Cancers
Spaying helps prevent cancers and infections of the uterus, ovaries, and breast tissues in female pets. Neutering prevents testicular cancer in male pets.
Reduces Risk of Contagious Disease
Sterilized pets come into contact with fewer animals throughout their lives, reducing the risk that they’ll be exposed to and contract contagious diseases from other animals.
Prevents Unwanted Behaviors
Spaying and neutering prevent a variety of undesirable and often dangerous behaviors in pets. This includes escaping and roaming, in addition to territory marking, reproductive-related aggression, and yowling or howling. Additionally, spaying prevents female pets from entering heat cycles.
Helps the Community
Animal shelters across the country are overwhelmed with the number of homeless pets that need care.
Spaying and neutering prevent unwanted litter. This reduces the number of homeless pets and the burden on local animal shelters.
Additionally, the reduced number of puppies and kittens also increases the chances that more animals in shelters will be adopted and find forever homes. Increased adoption rates in animal shelters mean fewer dogs and cats that must face unnecessary euthanasia.
Spay and Neuter Appointments With Our Tucson Veterinarians
Healthy puppies and kittens can be spayed or neutered at as young as eight weeks. However, dogs are traditionally spayed or neutered between six and nine months. Scheduling these surgeries early will ensure your pet enjoys all the health benefits associated with sterilization.
Our veterinarians can help you determine the appropriate age for scheduling your puppy’s or kitten’s spay or neuter surgery, in addition to helping you understand what to expect. To learn more or schedule a spay or neuter appointment for your pet, we welcome you to contact Adobe Veterinary Center in Tucson today.
