Top Reasons to Have Your Pet Spayed or Neutered
One of the most important parts of being a responsible pet owner is having your cat or dog spayed or neutered before it becomes an adult. Spaying (for female pets) and neutering (the male equivalent) is a form of birth control that prevents unwanted litters. In addition to keeping homeless pets off streets and out of shelters, spaying and neutering can also have long-term health benefits to help your pet live a happier life. Many cities now enforce mandatory spaying and neutering, but read on for additional reasons to help you make the right decision.
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- Prevents Unwanted Pets: Unplanned litters often mean pets going homeless, either in shelters or on the streets. Most cities already face overcrowded shelters, so take a stand against cruel euthanization by preventing your pet from reproducing.
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- Reduces Heat Cycles in Females: Female pets that are not spayed will go into the process of heat as part of a natural reproductive cycle. Female dogs go into heat twice a year, whereas cats can breed every three weeks during mating season. Pets who are in heat often exhibit nervous or even vicious behavior, and are known to make a mess around the house with excess urination. Heat cycles begin as early as six months of age in both dogs and cats, so be sure to have your female pet spayed when she’s old enough (usually between two and four months of age).
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- Improves Behavior: Pets who are sexually intact, but who do not have the means to reproduce can become frustrated, which often leads to aggression and nipping. In non-neutered males, in particular, an influx of testosterone may cause natural competition with other animals, which can turn to violence. Keep your pet a calm and happy member of the family by taking care of spaying and neutering.
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- Keeps Males Close to Home: Male pets that are not neutered will roam to search out females in heat. Roaming is an often-uncontrollable act that can put your pet at risk of danger or getting lost. Having your dog or cat neutered can prevent roaming.
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- Is Cost-Effective: Caring for a litter of puppies or kittens can add up, not to mention the routine checkups needed for mom. Instead, avoid exorbitant vet bills by paying a one-time fee to have your pet spayed or neutered. The cost can range between $45 and $300,1 depending on the clinic and the size of your pet. Shop around, too: your local vet may offer low-cost spaying and neutering for the greater good of the community.
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- Fights Prostate Problems: Male pets that aren’t neutered face enlarged prostate glands as they age. Not only does this mean discomfort and trouble urinating, but an enlarged gland is always at risk for infection. It’s much harder to treat an infected prostate without neutering first, so make sure you act when your pet is young.
- Limits Mounting: While mounting is a complex behavior attributed to many different needs, some behaviorists believe it’s a sexual behavior that decreases with neutering.
For more information about spaying and neutering, and other helpful tips for pet ownership, check our blog each week. We provide articles about raising healthy companions, plus advice for using pet doors in the home. Australia Pet Doors offer a wide variety of door sizes to fit any breed of cat or dog. To learn more, call 0414 922 751.
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