For your pet to receive the most health and behavioral benefits, we recommend having them spayed or neutered around 6-8 months of age after they have received their puppy and kitten shots. Your veterinarian can provide an individualized recommendation for your pet, however, scheduling your pet’s spay or neuter surgery earlier is best to prevent certain health and behavioral issues from developing.
Why Should My Pet Be Spayed or Neutered?
As previously mentioned, spaying and neutering your dog or cat can supply a variety of benefits for your pet by improving their health and behavior in several ways such as:
Avoid Heat Cycles
Female pets that aren’t spayed may experience heat cycles regularly, though this may vary by breed. Heat cycles cause consistent discomfort for your companions and may cause them to roam and seek the attention of male pets. Spaying your dog or cat can prevent heat cycles and ensure your pet is more comfortable.
Develop Better Behavior
Male dogs and cats may exhibit negative behaviors including spraying, mounting and roaming, which can put their safety at risk as well. Having your pet neutered can help keep them safe and improve their behavior.
Decrease Local Pet Homelessness
Spay and neuter surgery is the removal of the reproductive organs in pets, which can help lower the homeless pet population in our area. Shelters are overwhelmed with pets because there are too many pets and not enough proper homes for them. Spaying or neutering your dog or cat can reduce pet homelessness and relieve the stress on local animal shelters.
Prevent Serious Health Conditions
Spaying and neutering can be impactful on your dog or cat’s overall health, too. Female pets benefit from spay surgery which can prevent pyometra and mammary cancer. Neutering can help eliminate issues with the prostate gland as well as treat and prevent testicular cancer in male pets.
