Pet spaying and neutering are important to your beloved animal’s health and safety. It’s often a procedure new pet owners dismiss, however. The surgery isn’t simply about preventing unwanted pregnancies and can provide numerous benefits. These procedures play a role in your furry friend’s overall health and also contribute to the well-being of the local outdoor population. Below, find out how spaying or neutering can improve your pet’s overall health. 

3 Benefits of Pet Spaying & Neutering

1. Prevent Overpopulation

Overpopulation is a growing problem in animal communities. When strays become pregnant and give birth to litters, many of these animals never find a home and remain outdoors. Shelters and care centers can only take in so many, and their adoption agencies can’t always find potential owners. Pet spaying and neutering ensures that pets can’t become pregnant or impregnate other outdoor animals. This will significantly cut into overpopulation problems.

2. Improve Behavior

Urine-marking is a practice many male and female dogs develop when they aren’t spayed or neutered. They may also become more aggressive in adolescence. Cats may spray more often, and animals may lean toward dominant behavior like mounting. Not being spayed or neutered contributes to these actions. Animals that are not spayed or neutered might also experience altered moods while they are in heat. While the procedure won’t change your pet’s personality, it can reduce the likelihood that they’ll adopt these instinctual behaviors.

3. Boost Health 

Pets are prone to many cancers, including testicular, prostate, uterine, and other reproductive illnesses. They may also roam out of instinct before menstruation or while they are in heat, leading to fights, injuries, and accidents. Pet spaying and neutering eliminates the possibilities of some of these diseases and will also keep them from going out to find another animal in heat. 

If you want to explore pet spaying further, Dr. Susan Wells and the team at Lillian Veterinary Hospital can assist. This Lillian, AL, practice has served pets for over 22 years and handles pet dental care, skin health, vaccinations, and preventative health. They also provide pet boarding services, which you can explore on their website. Call (251) 962-2304 to schedule a wellness exam.