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6 benefits of spaying and neutering
Each year millions of dogs and cats are euthanized in shelters because of overpopulation . Just a few years ago , during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic , shelters were emptied out as pet adoptions reached all-time highs . Now that offices have reopened and people have returned to work and other activities , pets increasingly are being surrendered to shelters again , once more leading to overtaxed shelters and other facilities .
Overburdened shelters also are made worse by litters of animals born to unsterilized parents . The
American Veterinary Medical Association says spaying and neutering are important tools for preventing unplanned or unwanted litters , and reducing pet overpopulation . Most experts agree there is little benefit to leaving pets ’ reproductive systems intact . Even family pets can get loose and mate unintentionally . The following are six notable benefits to spaying or neutering a pet .
1Prevent the conception and birth of unwanted animals .
2The ASPCA says spaying prevents uterine infections and decreases the incidence of breast tumors , which are malignant or cancerous in about 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats . Spaying a pet before the first heat offers the best measure of protection .
3Neutering male animals prevents testicular cancer if done before six months of age .
4Neutered animals are less likely to roam and become nuisances . Female cats can go into heat four to five days every three weeks during breeding season . While in heat they will yowl and urinate frequently . Males will be on the prowl for females and can get into fights . Spaying and neutering reduces these tendencies .
5Neutering and spaying is a lot less costly than having and caring for a litter . It also prevents medical treatment from being needed in the event a pet gets into a fight over mating .
6Although the surgery will reduce some undesirable behaviors , it is not a magic fix for all behavioral problems , including bad habits .
The ASPCA says the traditional age to sterilize dogs is between six and nine months . Healthy puppies as young as eight weeks can undergo a spaying or neutering surgery . For cats , it is generally considered safe for kittens as young as eight weeks old . To avoid the start of urine spraying , neuter or spay a cat before the animal reaches five months of age .
Spaying and neutering is important for animal health and helps to reduce pet overpopulation . n
62 March 2025 | Thomasville Scene