Should I Spay or Neuter My Pet?
February 22nd is World Spay Day, a day dedicated to spaying and neutering pets. So in accordance with this day, we thought we’d answer the question that a lot of new pet owners find themselves pondering: should I have my pet spayed/neutered?
This practice first became standard in the 1930s to control the dog and cat population and has remained a popular option for pet owners and animal shelters ever since. The unfortunate truth is that when the respective populations get too large, a lot of animals have to be euthanised.
American TV game show host Bob Barker was famously known for his catchphrase on The Price Is Right where he told viewers to have their pets spayed and neutered, which lead to an increase in awareness and acceptance of the procedure among the general public.
You may think that it’s a cruel or severe thing to do to our beloved furry friends, but there are actually several long-term health benefits of spaying and neutering that aren’t just about reproduction.
Spaying your female pet, for instance, can help to prevent uterine infections and breast tumours, which can be cancerous. Neutering your male pet similarly prevents testicular cancer and various prostrate problems.
There are benefits to behaviour, too. Spayed female pets don’t go into heat, which prevents them from being loud and disruptive during breeding season. Neutered male pets won’t venture out of the house as much since they won’t have a desire to find a mate. They’re also less likely to urinate in the house. And neutered dogs won’t mount other dogs or inanimate objects as much.
However, there are some myths associated with what spaying/neutering does to pets. It won’t make your pet overweight, nor will it magically fix all of their behavioural problems – although hormones play a part in how an animal behaves, there are still neurological and physiological factors at play.
Another question you might have is: when should I spay/neuter my pet?
For dogs, the ideal time to do it is between six and nine months.
For cats, it’s usually safe to do it when they’re as old as eight weeks.
But as with everything related to your pet’s health, always consult with your vet before making any decisions related to their care.
Part of being a responsible pet owner is ensuring that you aren’t bringing animals into the world that won’t be cared for, so do consider spaying or neutering your pets if you haven’t already done so. For any questions, queries, or concerns, contact us on Facebook.
