Why You Should Spay or Neuter Your Pets
In 2023, World Spay Day will take place on February 28th (i.e. the fourth Tuesday of Spay and Neuter Month). This day was created to raise awareness about the importance of spaying (and neutering) pets. Sterilizing pets can not only benefit your pet’s health but also the health of your whole community.
5 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pets
1. Prevents Certain Types of Cancers
Spaying a female pet eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer and if done at an appropriate age, significantly reduces the risk of mammary cancer. Neutering a male pet eliminates the risk of testicular cancer.
There are other canine cancers that can be affected by spay/neuter status, so if you have a canine companion, it is important that you speak with your veterinarian about the appropriate age to spay or neuter them. Many recent studies have shown that the breed, anticipated adult weight, gender and household circumstances all play a role in cancer risk and can influence the optimal time to spay or neuter your dog.
2. Reduces the Risk of Contagious Diseases and Injury
On average, spayed and neutered pets come into contact with and encounter fewer animals throughout their lives. As a result, their risk of contracting a contagious disease from another animal is significantly reduced.
In addition, spayed and neutered pets are far less likely to roam and get into trouble, reducing their chances of fight wounds and motor vehicle accidents.
3. Minimizes the Burden on Animal Shelters
Animal shelters are overly burdened with sheltering, feeding, and caring for unwanted dogs and cats. Spaying and neutering your pet means that they will not be inadvertently contributing to the overpopulation problems facing these facilities.
4. Saves Lives by Helping Animals in Shelters Find Homes
By reducing the number of unplanned puppies and kittens that are born, you’ll also be increasing the chances that pets living in animal shelters are adopted into forever homes.
5. Eliminates Problematic Behaviors
Dogs and cats that have not been spayed or neutered can exhibit problematic, unwanted, and/or dangerous behaviors that are related to their instinct to reproduce. Some of these behaviors include:
- Wandering or roaming
- Yowling, howling, or excessive barking
- Mounting
- Aggression
- Territory marking
Spaying or neutering your pet can help to curb these instinctual, reproductive-related behaviors to help your pet be safer and a happier companion in your home.
Schedule an Appointment for Your Pet in Sleepy Hollow
If you have an intact adult cat or dog or a new puppy or kitten, we encourage you to talk with our veterinarians about spaying or neutering your pet. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact Sleepy Hollow Animal Hospital today.
