Spay/Neuter — Should I do it?

Spay/Neuter — Should I do it?

You may hear a lot of veterinarians talk about getting your pet spayed or neutered but is it the right thing to do for your pet? Here’s what I have learned from listening to veterinarians and other animal professionals.

Spaying is the surgery that removes the uterus and ovaries from female animals. Neutering surgically removes the testicles from males.

The advantages of spaying or neutering your pet include: 

For males — by reducing the testosterone levels their aggressiveness is reduced; with no reproductive drive the males will tend to wander less because they won’t be looking for a mate; it can also reduce the chance of some kind of cancer to the reproductive system.

For females — by removing the ovaries the sex hormones are reduced and this will lower the risk of getting cancer including breast cancer (yes, they can get cancer in their mammary glands). As with males the females will not be out wandering looking for or lusting after a mate. And the lack of sex hormones tends to mellow out your pet.

Spaying or neutering can also eliminate unwanted pregnancies and the need to find homes for the babies. 

In communities that have problems with feral animals, a successful TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release) program can help curb the overpopulation. Feral animals, because they are wild, will reproduce as often as possible since they are hard-wired for survival of the species.

So, as long as you are not serious about being a reputable breeder, one of the best things you can do for your pet is to get them spayed or neutered. Their quality of life will be better and they will tend to live a longer, healthier life. And who wouldn’t want that for their precious pet?