Pet care experts often talk about how crucial it is to spay and neuter your cats and dogs, but is it really that important? Leaving pets intact can cause a host of problems that many aren’t aware of. To help pet owners understand how useful these procedures are, the veterinarians at Animal Care Center of Fairfield in Butler County, OH, have compiled a list of sterilization benefits below.

Why You Should Have Your Pet Spayed or Neutered

1. Reduces Overpopulation

Most pet owners don’t have the resources to take care of a new litter. They’re forced to either find those kittens or puppies a home, or give them up for adoption. Every year, approximately 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized because there simply aren’t enough willing adopters. Spaying and neutering your pets ensures that you won’t contribute to these numbers.

2. Stops Undesirable Behaviors

Risky, unwanted behaviors are far more likely to occur in pets that haven’t been spayed or neutered. Urine marking is common in both male and female cats and dogs, and their mating instincts make them prone to roaming. Intact dogs also have the tendency to show increased aggression and dominant behavior. Sterilization can minimize or completely eliminate these habits.

3. Leads to a Healthier Life

Spaying and neutering your pets can actually lower or erase their chances of getting certain types of cancer. Neutered pets have a lower risk of developing prostate problems, and the threat of testicular cancer is eliminated altogether. When female pets are spayed, you’re helping prevent uterine infections and breast cancer. According to a State of Pet Health Report, neutered dogs live 18% longer than intact dogs, and spayed dogs live 23% longer than un-spayed ones.

4. It’s More Cost-Effective

Some pet owners may worry about the price of the procedure, but in the long run, sterilization is the cheaper option. The costs of dealing with messy behaviors like spraying along with treating injuries from intact males roaming and fighting, are much higher. There’s also the chance of an unexpected litter that you will, at least temporarily, have to take care of. Many shelters and veterinarian clinics do offer low-cost spaying and neutering services.

If you’re looking for comprehensive veterinary services, take your pet to Animal Care Center of Fairfield. These expert veterinarians will safely spay and neuter your pet. For those interested in becoming regulars, they offer the Healthy Pet Plan, where you can save on costs by bundling your services. For more information, call (513) 829-6621 today or visit their website.