In a world where overpopulation of dogs and cats is a serious issue, the most obvious answer to the question "Should I spay/neuter my pet?" should be yes. However, the issue is a bit more complex and must be weighed carefully because this procedure is irreversible.
The main counterargument When it comes to sterilization, the main counterargument is that your beloved pet will have to undergo surgery involving general anesthesia. Despite the fact that this is a routine procedure that very rarely endangers the patient’s life, many pet parents prefer not to take any risks and firmly refuse the idea of spaying or neutering.
The second counterargument This is the fact that many dogs and cats become overweight after being spayed or neutered. However, this side effect can be easily managed with proper feeding and additional exercise.
So, why is spaying or neutering recommended?
If you do not want your pet to have offspring, sterilization is the best solution. This simple surgery prevents females from becoming pregnant and both genders from going into heat. Say goodbye to serenades at midnight, to roaming dogs and cats around your house, to the unpleasant smell that comes with territory marking, and goodbye to menstruation, whether canine or feline.
Another positive aspect is that your pet may become a little calmer and more affectionate toward you. This isn’t guaranteed, but such behavior is often seen in sterilized animals.
Lastly, spaying and neutering benefit your pet’s health. Without reproductive organs, they are no longer at risk of developing infections or cancers in that area of the body. In both dogs and cats, neutering males reduces the risk of testicular cancer and prostate problems. For females, spaying eliminates the risk of ovarian cysts, reproductive tract cancer, uterine infections, or mastitis (a possible negative side effect of pregnancy that can even lead to the female’s death).
While it may seem trivial, financial aspects should also be considered, and here sterilization scores points. If your pet doesn't produce offspring, you'll have fewer mouths to feed, vaccinate, and deworm, meaning more funds to give your beloved pet a life full of treats. And if you're thinking, "It can't be that many puppies or kittens, and I’ll find homes for them," consider this: A pair of unspayed cats and their offspring can total 420,000 cats in just seven years. In the case of dogs, an unspayed pair and their offspring can produce 4,372 puppies over the same seven years.
Could you really take care of so many animals or find homes for them all?
Spaying or neutering your pet is an important decision, but you don't have to make it alone. Discuss the matter with your veterinarian and make the best choice for you and your furry friend.
