If you've recently taken home a new puppy or kitten, your heart is no doubt filled with love as you gaze at your new best friend. While you likely have a checklist of things you need to do to help your puppy or kitten grow up into a strong and healthy dog or cat, one thing you might not be thinking of just yet is whether or not you will get your pet spayed or neutered. But here are three reasons why neutering or spaying your pet should be a priority as soon as it reaches the appropriate age.
Much More Cost Effective
If you are currently on a budget, you are likely trying to keep medical procedures for your pet to a minimum as they will certainly cost extra money. But bear in mind that the cost of spaying or neutering your pet will be much less than the amount of money you would need to spend if you suddenly discover that your female pet is pregnant or that your male pet is responsible for another dog or cat's pregnancy.
Help Fight Overpopulation
When you choose to spay or neuter your pet, you aren't just doing something that helps your own pet. You could potentially be saving animal lives further down the line. Every year, millions of cats and dogs are either euthanized or end up on the street where they suffer as strays. If your female dog or cat gets pregnant and you don't have the means to find the entire litter a home, you could be responsible for putting more dogs and cats into the local pound or out on the street. Even if you do find your entire litter a home, that just means that someone purchased or took a dog or cat from you instead of saving one from captivity somewhere.
Prevent Cancer and Other Health Problems
If you have a female dog or cat, spaying in particular can provide some health benefits, according to Brown.edu. Spaying can help prevent uterine infections and reduce the chance of breast cancer, according to Brown. Spayed females also will not go into heat. As for males, neutering can make your dog or cat more well behaved and prevent them from running away from home to try and find a mate.
If you have recently taken home a new puppy or kitten, make sure you take care of things like getting rabies shots and any other medical necessities. But this is also a good time to have a discussion with your family about whether or not you will want your pet to be spayed or neutered. Doing so can help control the population, prevent health problems for your pet, and be much more cost effective than dealing with a pregnancy. Reach out to your veterinarian or a company like Southwest Animal Hospital for more information.
