Getting a new dog is a wonderful experience, but it’s also a huge responsibility. Pets rely on their humans for food, shelter, and health care, as well as affection and companionship. To help your dog live a long, healthy lives, it’s essential to spay or neuter them. Alexandria Pike Animal Hospital in Southgate, KY, provides spaying and neutering services, as well as wellness testing, pet dental care, and vaccinations. Here, their compassionate and knowledgeable staff explains four reasons to spay and neuter your pets. 

4 Reasons You Should Spay or Neuter Your Dog 

1. Increases Longevity 

Spaying helps prevent severe health conditions like breast cancer and uterine infections in female animals. Breast cancer in particular is especially dangerous. In male dogs, neutering helps protect against testicular and prostate cancer. 

2. Improves Behavior

Dogs that aren’t neutered tend to mark their territory by urinating in the house. They also tend to mount other dogs, people, or furniture. Because neutering reduces testosterone levels, it can help dogs become calmer and less aggressive. Spayed females are also better behaved. Unspayed females go into heat for two to three weeks at a time, usually twice a year. During this period, they urinate more frequently and sometimes indoors. They also howl loudly to attract the attention of males. 

3. Prevents Roaming 

Males that are not neutered are likely to roam away from home to seek a mate. Having a runaway pet is stressful and emotionally taxing on the owner. It’s also dangerous for the animal, as he’s more susceptible to injury, disease, or even death. 

4. Saves You Money

Spaying and neutering save you money in the long run. Over the course of your pet’s lifetime, you’ll likely spend less dealing with medical and behavioral issues. You also won’t have to pay to care for the litter of puppies your dog will have if she unexpectedly gets pregnant. 

As you can see, there are a number of great reasons to spay or neuter your dog. Provide your pet with the best care possible by taking them to Alexandria Pike Animal Hospital. In addition to dogs and cats, their team of veterinarians provides care for a range of animals, including rabbits, reptiles, birds, and pocket pets like hamsters and gerbils. Some of their veterinarians even care for small farm animals. Call (859) 781-1800 or visit their website to book an appointment today.