Animal health continues to be a growing concern among pet owners. Because animals have become vulnerable to various health risks that are commonly seen in the human population, more pet owners are seeking out ways to not only protect their pets but also ensuring a safe community. As a result, more pet owners are now considering the various benefits spay and neutering has to offer.
Health Benefits
Animals that are spayed or neutered are more likely to have a healthier life. This is because animals are better protected from diseases and health risks. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, spaying aids in preventing uterine infections and breast cancer while neutering aids in preventing testicular cancer.
Reduces Unwanted Behaviors
Behaviors commonly associated with animals in heat or undesirable sexual behaviors are reduced when an animal is spayed or neutered. Such behaviors consist of aggression, possession, territory marking and food guarding.
Pet Longevity
Spay and neutering has been associated to a longer and happier life for pets. According to the Humane Society, neutered male dogs live 18 percent longer than male dogs that have not been neutered. In addition, female spayed dogs live 23 percent longer than female dogs that have never been spayed.
Minimizes the Number of Stray Animals in the Community
Did you know there are approximately 6 to 8 million homeless animals in the United States? Spay and neutering prevents unwanted litters which has been connected to the number of abandoned animals in the community. Additionally, this can result in minimizing animal related car accidents, animal crimes and reduces the number of animals roaming family friendly neighborhoods.
Animal Overpopulation
According to the American Humane Association, more than 3.7 million animals are euthanized each year. Spay and neutering has been linked to reducing the number of unwanted pets impacting the number of animals in shelters and the number of animals that are euthanized each year due to overpopulation.
Needless to say, pet owners continue to contemplate over rather or not a sterilization procedure is best for their pet. While there are many different perspectives on which methods are most effective, pet owners are mainly concerned with which option will be most beneficial and cost efficient. Understanding the many benefits sterilization can offer can greatly influence a pet owners decision to pursue spay or neutering surgery for their pet.
