Is your pet spayed or neutered? If not, now is the time to speak to a trusted vet about scheduling this surgery for your pet. Any pets that are a few months old (or older) and have no medical reasoning for not being spayed or neutered should have this procedure done. By having a better understanding of spay and neuter procedures and what they mean for your pet, you can ultimately make the right decision regarding this surgery.
It Can Save Other Pets' Lives
Each day, animals are euthanized in shelters across the country due to over-crowding. Unfortunately, unwanted litters only contribute to the overpopulation and over-crowding problem that is very real in shelters nationwide. When you have your pet spayed or neutered, you prevent your pet from creating unwanted litters. This indirectly frees up space in local shelters, which could reduce euthanization rates as well.
It Has a Number of Health and Behavioral Benefits
Many pet owners don't realize that their pet can enjoy health and behavioral benefits as a result of spay or neuter surgery. Specifically, pets who are spayed or neutered are less likely to develop reproductive cancers in their lifetime. Furthermore, female pets are spared the physical stress of pregnancy, labor, and nursing a new litter. In most cases, pets who are spayed or neutered will also be less likely to run away from home and will have improved overall temperaments.
It's One of the Most Routine Surgical Procedures
Sometimes, pet owners are hesitant to have their pets spayed or neutered because it's a surgical procedure--and that makes pet owners nervous. While this procedure is a type of surgery, it's important to understand that it's also one of the most routine procedures performed in a veterinary office. In most cases, pets can return home the same day and will be back to their regular selves in no time.
There Are Low-Cost Options Available
If cost is an issue preventing you from spaying or neutering your pet, inquire with local shelters and animal rescue groups, as they will likely be able to point you towards some local low-cost spay and neuter services. These are often held by low-cost animal clinics a couple times a month and can help to make the procedure more affordable (or even free) for you.
As you can see, there are many reasons to have your pet spayed or neutered, so be sure to speak with a vet like Pitts Veterinary Hospital PC.
