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Vet Surgery – Surprising Advantages of Choosing To Spay or Neuter Your Pet

20 February 2018 by Sophie Knight

The unfortunate reality about dogs, cats and other domesticated pets is that there tends to be an abundance of them. This large population typically means that there is a considerable number of pets that do not have loving homes, which leads to strays in the street and overpopulated animal shelters. Therefore, spaying or neutering of animals is essential to ensure that you are not contributing to the rise in homeless pets. However, keeping animal numbers manageable is not the only reason why fixing your pet is vital. There are little-known benefits that come with this procedure that pet lovers could be unaware of. Here are some surprising advantages of choosing to spay or neuter your pet.

Spaying and neutering decrease the risk of cancer

Cancerous tumours, just as in humans, are a significant health concern for pets. Undoubtedly, you would like to take any measures you can to prevent your furry friend from developing this disease. You could be surprised to find out that spaying or neutering your pet can considerably decrease the risk of them becoming vulnerable to these tumours. When your pet has been "fixed", they will experience a decrease in their reproductive hormones. As a result, they are less susceptible to being affected by tumours in their reproductive organs, which can subsequently increase their lifespan!

Spaying will eliminate the side effects of being on heat

Once female pets reach sexual maturity, they will get on heat on a scheduled basis. If you are not planning to get additional furry friends, then it would be best to stop this cycle altogether. What you may not realise about being on heat is that your pet can become incredibly restless. Other symptoms include drastic mood changes and flighty behaviour, and your pet may even develop some bleeding during this cycle. Spaying your female pet not only makes her life more comfortable, but it will also ensure that she does not get on your last nerve while she is on heat.

Neutering can correct errant behaviour

Male pets that have not been neutered can be extremely aggressive. The high levels of testosterone coursing through their bodies can significantly change their behavioural patterns, and a once docile animal can become difficult to deal with during mating season. Moreover, a typical habit that dogs develop during this time is marking their territory, which could mean your entire house will smell of dog urine! Neutering your pet decreases the testosterone levels dramatically and keeps your pet calm. 

Contact your local vet surgery for additional information.

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