Spay neuter why

The reduced lifespan of unaltered pets can, in part, be attributed to an increased urge to roam. Such roaming can expose them to fights with other animals, resulting in injuries and infections, trauma from vehicle strikes and other accidental mishaps. A contributor to the increased longevity of altered pets is their reduced risk of certain types of cancers.

Intact female cats and dogs have a greater chance of developing pyometra a potentially fatal uterine infection and uterine, mammary gland and other cancers of the reproductive system. Neutering male pets eliminates their risk of testicular cancer and eliminates the possibility of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia which can affect the ability to defecate.

As a result, they have caused some pet owners to question altering their pets at an early age or altering them at all. However, on closer examination, the results of these studies pertain specifically to male dogs of certain giant breeds dogs typically weighing pounds or more and their conclusions should not be generalized to other breeds of dogs, or to other species, including cats.

Studies on this subject are mostly retrospective in nature, meaning they are looking at existing research data. Therefore, while they evaluate for associations between a cause and an outcome, they cannot definitely establish causality. It's also important to understand that while a study can find something to be statistically significant, it does not always mean there is a clinically significant difference.

While all study designs have benefits and challenges, there is a need for repeatable prospective studies new research done by a variety of researchers in various geographic locations and with significant sample sizes to provide stronger data in all aspects of this subject.

It is important to monitor a pet's weight following surgery and adjust their diet appropriately with the help of a veterinarian to prevent weight gain. These are the best general recommendations that can be drawn from a thorough analysis of research currently available:. Sign up to receive our exclusive e-book full of training techniques, problem-solving and important information about caring for your pet.

Intact dogs are more prone to urine-marking than neutered dogs. Neutered dogs may actually be more protective, as they no longer are distracted by the temptations of breeding with females or fighting with other males. There are a number of potentially fatal health conditions and transmissible diseases that animals can contract or develop as a result of being intact and breeding; for example, pyometra, TVT, and reproductive cancers. These risks are eliminated when the animal is spayed or neutered.

On the whole, animals who have been sterilized at an early age tend to live longer, healthier lives, potentially increasing their lifespans by an average of one to three years for dogs, and three to five years for cats.

By spaying or neutering your pet, you save the cost of caring for future litters and reduce the likelihood of your pet needing veterinary treatment for injuries occurring when roaming or fighting. Fact: Medical evidence indicates just the opposite. In fact, the evidence shows that females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier. Applying human emotions to animals is neither realistic nor applicable when it comes to identifying a need for sterilization.

Fact: Pets do not have any concept of sexual identity or ego. He does not suffer any kind of emotional reaction or identity crisis when neutered. Spaying involves removing the uterus and ovaries of a female animal, and neutering removes the testicles of a male animal. Spaying or neutering your pet benefits both your animal and your community. According to the ASPCA, animals who have been spayed or neutered are typically less aggressive since their instinct to mate has been eliminated.

Many unwanted behaviors such as fighting, roaming, spraying, and crying will go away after surgery, and most pets become even more affectionate to their owners. Additionally, spaying females prevents breast cancer and eliminates both uterine infections and cancer, and for males, neutering reduces the chance or testicular cancer and prostate problems.

Everyone loves cute and cuddly puppies and kittens. The reality is there are only so many people who want to have a pet, and most animal shelters are already reaching their capacity to care for homeless pets. By spaying or neutering your pet, you are helping to reduce overpopulation in these shelters, and giving other animals a chance to find their forever homes.

To decide an accurate time to spay or neuter your pet, you should reach out to an animal hospital and veterinarian to determine this for your animal.