Often, dog and cat parents wonder what they can do to improve their animal’s life while making day-to-day care a little easier. Although it may seem like an unrelated procedure, veterinarians recommend spaying female pets as a means of preventing future health issues. The guide below explains the benefits of this procedure.

Why Does Spaying Matter?

1. Prevents Pregnancy

Dogs can have upwards of three litters a year with six to seven babies per litter; cats can have two to three litters per year with up to eight babies each time. While it can be fun to add a few more furry friends to your family, this problem is one that multiplies with time. Those who find they can’t take care of all the puppies or kittens may give them up to an animal shelter, which may already be overfilled. As a result, 1.5 million animals are euthanized in the United States every year.

2. Avoids Female-Specific Health Issues 

Spaying your pet can also nearly eliminate the risk for developing certain female-specific health problems, such as breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers. It also stops them from going into heat, which can not only cause discomfort but bloody discharge. During this time, you will have to keep your pet isolated from other canines to prevent pregnancy, meaning no trips to the dog park and no playdates at dog day care.  

3. Saves Money

While it does cost money to have your pet spayed, the expense pales in comparison to the expense of raising a litter of puppies or kittens or treating your furry family member for cancer. Additionally, there are many government- and veterinarian-run programs out there designed to help families save on this procedure, which is often best done when dogs are cats are about eight weeks old.

If you have questions about how spaying or neutering could impact your pet’s health, reach out to the veterinarians at Greatwood Veterinary Hospital in Richmond, TX. For more than 18 years, they have been helping pets and their families to enjoy more years together. From offering routine vaccinations to helping with emergency pet surgery, they strive to always increase their quality of care. To find out more about their services, visit their website. Schedule an appointment with a veterinarian by calling (281) 342-7770.