The Benefits Of Neutering Your Pet (Part 2)

Neutering also helps reduce the dog and cat population. Although kittens and puppies are cute, few are able to raise a full litter. These pets must go some place, and so are set loose or put in shelters, possibly dying there. Unwanted litters also result in more homeless cats and dogs, with the associated problems in cities and towns. The life of a homeless animal is not a good one, and so neutering prevents any pet from experiencing that life.

Studies have shown there are genuine advantages to neutering. With females, spaying the cat or dog by 6 months (or the first heat), greatly decreases the chance of cancer (breast) later on in life. Breast cancer has a high death rate, with fifty percent for dogs, ninety percent for cats, so early prevention by neutering is important.

As well, the risk of uterine cancer in dogs and cats also increases, unless spaying is done early on.

It’s encouraged to neuter early on, at around 6 months after birth. The procedure can be same day or an overnight event (dependent on the veterinarian’s policy), and there may be a second visit to take out stitches. Contact your vet for instructions.

While we can view the neutering of a family dog or cat with concern, it’s a caring thing to get done for your pet, allowing them to have a healthier life, and likely a longer one.

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