Benefits of Spay and Neuter in Oakland, CA
Are you trying to decide whether or not to spay or neuter your pet? This decision is an important one, and choosing to spay or neuter makes a big difference for the better in your pet’s life as well as in your own. But many pet owners find themselves wondering if it’s really worth the cost or the trouble to have their pets spayed or neutered.
There are many reasons to go forward with spaying or neutering your pet. Your pet’s health, your own finances, and the number of homeless pets in Oakland all play a part in helping you make this important decision. Call Broadway Pet Hospital today at (510) 653–0212.
Prevents Cancer of the Reproductive Organs
Male pets who are neutered are unable to develop testicular cancer. They are also less likely to come down with prostate cancer or other issues related to the prostate. There may be other types of physical health benefits your male pet receives from being neutered, too.
Female pets cannot suffer from uterine or ovarian cancer or cysts anymore after they are spayed. They are also much less likely to develop tumors in their breasts or breast tissue, and they are less likely to develop breast infections as well.
Sometimes Improves Territory Marking
Male pets who are not neutered almost always mark their territories. Dogs and cats both do this outside, but they also tend to do it indoors by spraying or otherwise urinating on furniture, walls, and more. It is a smelly and unpleasant problem, but it’s one that can usually be avoided when your pet is neutered.
When neutered, male cats are much less likely to spray walls and furniture, and some are physically unable to do so anymore. Male dogs are less likely to urinate inside and more likely to simply mark their territory as usual outdoors instead.
Reduces the Number of Pets Needing Homes
Homeless pets are a major problem everywhere. Shelters and rescues are full of cats and dogs, and feral animals having litters contribute to these numbers every day. Unfortunately, so do pets who aren’t spayed or neutered. When a pet isn’t spayed or neutered, that animal is capable of either becoming pregnant or getting another animal pregnant. This, in turn, means even more unplanned and unwanted puppies or kittens in the world.
Oakland is probably full of animals already that are having trouble finding homes. When you spay or neuter your pet, you do your part to cut down on the number of pets that need to find homes in your area.
Prevents Female Pets from Heat
Female pets that go into heat do so every three to four weeks. When this happens, they make a lot of noise, and they also tend to urinate much more, even indoors. They may become irritable and unwilling to interact with the family, and they may bite or scratch more often. Some female animals even menstruate during heat. None of these are wanted behaviors, but spaying can help prevent all of them.
Spaying your pet keeps her from going into heat anymore. She will not have to suffer through this stressful time in her life and you won’t have to clean up after her, either.
Cuts Down on Runaways and Roaming Pets
Pets who haven’t been spayed or neutered often run away from home in the hope of finding a mate. They may break out of the house or find their way out of the yard, and they may go roaming even when you do everything in your power to keep them from it.
Spaying or neutering your pet helps keep your furry friend safely at home. And in turn, this also helps cut down on the unplanned pet population in your neighborhood, too!
Sometimes Improves Behavioral Issues
Male pets who haven’t been neutered are often more aggressive and territorial than those who have. Neutering may also help pets become calmer, more placid, and generally more agreeable with other animals and with the members of your family, too.
The same is true of female pets who are spayed. Spaying helps female pets calm down and also makes it easier for them to get along with humans and animals both. Spaying and neutering don’t always solve every behavioral problem, but they do make a big difference most of the time.
Cuts Down on Household Expenses
Finally, you won’t have to worry about quite as many vet bills when you spay or neuter your pets. Yes, you will need to pay for the initial spay or neuter surgery, but after that, you won’t have as many health risks to worry about with your pets.
At the same time, since your male pets won’t be getting into fights as often and your female pets won’t be getting pregnant, you will be able to cut down on potential vet costs in this way, too. And don’t forget—litters of puppies and kittens cost a lot of money when they’re born, too, so you’ll save funds in this way as well!
As you can see, there are a many good reasons to spay or neuter your pet. This list doesn’t even cover all the reasons pet owners regularly take their beloved furry friends in for spaying and neutering. If you have a new pet or you’re thinking about getting one, don’t neglect to spay or neuter. It can make a big difference in your pet’s health as well as the community in which you live. Call us today at (510) 653–0212.