Spaying and neutering surgeries not only prevent your pet from reproducing; they also offer several other positive effects. The staff at Waipio Pet Clinic in Waipahu, HI explain a few important benefits of the surgeries. The veterinarians at the clinic have a combined 75 years of experience caring for pets and offer emergency vet services, a pet hospital, and animal wellness care.

• Longer Lifespan: Spaying, the surgical procedure for female animals, can prevent or reduce your pet’s chance of developing life-threatening uterine or breast cancer. The surgery is most effective if it’s performed before your pet’s first heat. Neutering can help prevent testicular cancer in male animals.
• Decreased Roaming: When male pets are looking for love, they’ll do anything to find it, including bolting from your home the second the door is opened. A roaming pet probably won’t endear you to your neighbors and will increase the risk that your furry friend will be hit by a car. Since neutered pets aren’t interested in sex, they no longer have the urge to roam.

• Better Behavior: Spaying and neutering can reduce territory-marking behavior, like spraying urine. It can also reduce aggression in male animals. The earlier surgery occurs, the better. If you wait until your pet is already sexually mature, spaying or neutering will have less of an impact on behavior.
• Reduced Costs: Caring for litters of puppies and kittens is expensive. When you choose spaying and neutering, you’ll never have to worry about unexpected pregnancies. You’ll also save money in licensing fees since Oahu charges more for dog licenses if your pet hasn’t been spayed or neutered.

If you have questions about spaying or neutering or general questions about cat health and dog care, call Waipio Pet Clinic at (808) 676-2205. Visit their website or Facebook page for information about their services.