Spaying and neutering are some of the most common surgeries performed by animal hospitals all over the world. The most obvious reason is that there are simply too many cats and dogs living on the streets and not enough homes. TLC Pet Care Centers in Cincinnati implores all cat and dog owners to schedule this important pet surgery.

Here are a few reasons why you should spay and neuter your pets:

• Destructive Behavior: Unaltered cats and dogs have many destructive instincts that are almost impossible to deal with: Male animals who haven’t undergone the pet surgery tend to spray urine indoors, fight frequently, and be inclined to roam away from home for extended periods. Female animals in heat are very noisy and may also spray or roam.

• Health Problems: Spaying or neutering reduces a pet’s risk of contracting many types of cancer, including testicular, prostate, and uterine cancer, as well as other reproductive illnesses and sexually transmitted diseases. Your pet will live a longer and healthier life after receiving this important pet surgery.

• Reproduction Of Unadoptable Animals: Feral cats and dogs reproduce prolifically, and the consequences are grislier than overcrowded shelters. Feral animals tend to be violent and distrusting of humans, and their offspring often grow up to be the same way. So not only is there an overwhelming number of homeless cats and dogs, but few are even adoptable. This is why “trap, neuter, release” programs were developed to trap feral animals, sterilize, and release them as humane alternatives to exterminating feral colonies.

If you haven’t spayed or neutered your pet yet, do the right thing soon. The appropriate time varies depending on species and breed, but veterinarians generally recommend that cats and dogs as young as eight weeks old receive the pet surgery. To schedule an appointment with TLC Pet Care Centers, you can reach the East Cincinnati office at (513) 683-2300 or West Cincinnati at (513) 825-4011. Visit the website for more information.