Benefits of Spay and Neuter

Source: American Pet Products Association

According to the American Pet Products Association, 75% of owned dogs and 87% of owned cats are spayed or neutered. Spaying and neutering a pet can be a hot topic, with both sides giving passionate arguments. Proponents say that altering a pet reduces the epidemic of pet overpopulation, while also increasing a pet’s lifespan and decreasing a pet’s desire to stray. Opponents argue that they shouldn’t have to cause their pet the pain of alteration.

The fact remains that there is a pet overpopulation problem in the world. Too many dogs and cats in too many shelters around the country are in need of homes because they were part of ‘accidental litters’ of un-spayed pets. These shelters end up euthanizing perfectly happy and healthy pets because of this issue.

But there are other benefits as well. Altered pets have a much lower risk of mammary gland tumors, prostate cancer, uterine cancer, and other forms of cancer. There is also a benefit with pet insurance: Altered pets are much easier to insure because most pet insurance companies are not able to cover anything related to breeding or pregnancy, or anything related to fights caused by unneutered males.

The week of surgery and recovery a pet will endure will provide for a lifetime of peace of mind for the owner, and will protect the pet’s health and well being in the future.