Spaying and neutering refer to common medical surgical procedures designed to safely remove the reproductive organs from cats and dogs—usually in the early stages of life. While these procedures are not required, veterinarians strongly recommend the treatment to help animals live longer, healthier lives and make pet ownership a more pleasant experience. If you’re wondering why you should spay and neuter your pets, here are a few of the top benefits that this preventative treatment can provide.  

5 Reasons to Spay & Neuter Pets

1. Reduce Cancer Risks  

Through sterilization, pets can avoid a wide range of cancers that impact parts of the reproductive system—including breast and testicular cancer. For this reason, the ASPCA says spaying and neutering can help dogs and cats—particularly females—live longer.

2. Cut Pet Care Costs

When they aren’t fatal, many animal cancers and uterine infections can require expensive medical treatment. Spaying and neutering, however, can prevent these issues from occurring for a fraction of the price. As such, these procedures are ideal for any pet owner who wants to avoid high pet care costs.

3. Prevent Behavior Problems

Intact male dogs can develop aggressive and territorial behaviors that make them unpleasant and sometimes dangerous to be around. Intact female animals, on the other hand, will exhibit a variety of troublesome behaviors when they go into heat—such as yipping or howling very loudly. While some behavioral issues in pets may require additional training, spaying and neutering are the best ways to prevent these patterns from developing at all.

4. Fight Animal Overpopulation

Each year, nearly 6.5 million homeless cats and dogs enter animal shelters, according to estimates from the ASPCA. About 1.5 million of these animals end up being euthanized every year. By opting to spay and neuter their animals, owners can keep their pets from reproducing, and in turn, contributing to overpopulation.

5. Save Your Furniture

When dogs and cats are left intact—especially males—they can tend to urinate or “spray” in various areas of the house to mark their territory. Even if your pet is potty-trained, this territorial behavior can cause them to ruin carpets, furniture, and other areas of your house. Spaying and neutering will largely minimize this behavior. 

If you’ve recently adopted an animal, Pet Health Clinic offers affordable spay and neuter services in Daleville, VA, to start your new companion off on a healthy paw. Practicing gentle care with every patient, this veterinarian is known for conducting pet surgery in a calm and safe manner, allowing your pet to remain as comfortable as possible during the procedure. In addition to sterilization, this animal hospital offers a variety of preventive health services that can boost your four-legged friend’s long-term health, including pet vaccinations and flea control. Visit the clinic online to learn more about these services or call (540) 992-4550 to schedule an appointment.