The Pros and Cons Of Neutering Your Family Dog Or Cat (Part 2)

Research has shown that there are real advantages to neutering. In the case of females, spaying the cat or dog before six months (or its first heat), greatly reduces the probability of cancer (breast) in later years. Breast cancer has a high death rate, with 90 percent for cats, fifty percent for dogs, so early prevention by neutering is very significant.

Also, the chances of uterine cancer in both cats and dogs also increases unless spaying is done early on.

Neutering helps reduce the dog and cat population. Although puppies and kittens are cute, few owners are able to care for a complete litter as they grow. These animals must go somewhere, and so are sometimes set loose or placed in shelters, possibly dying there. Unwanted litters also mean more homeless dogs and cats, and increased problems in towns and cities. The life of a wild animal is not a good one, so neutering prevents any cat or dog from experiencing that life.

It’s recommended to perform neutering early on, at about six months. The operation can be same day or an overnight event (dependent on the physician’s policy), and there may need to be another visit to remove any stitches. Talk to your veterinarian for details.

While we can look at the neutering of a dog or cat with worry, it is a loving thing to get done for your dog or cat, allowing them to have a healthier life, and likely a longer one.

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