Spaying and neutering a pet can help to save his or her life.
Spaying and neutering a pet can help to save his or her life. Spayed/neutered pets tend to live longer and healthier lives. Not only does this process have medical benefits, but there are many behavioral benefits as well. Here is a detailed breakdown of the advantages of spaying and neutering pets.
Early Spaying Reduces the Risk of Mammary Cancer, Pyometra, and Stops Overpopulation
Mammary Cancer
The most commonly diagnosed tumor in female dogs that can procreate is mammary cancer. The age group that mammary cancer impacts the most is female dogs older than seven. While it’s possible, male dogs rarely develop a tumor. Studies show that when you spay a female dog at an early age, the risk of developing mammary cancer decreases significantly.
Pyometra
Pyometra refers to a life-threatening uterine infection. This type of infection mainly affects older female dogs that have not been spayed. The golden rule is to spay a female dog before the first heat cycle. It’s a much safer procedure to spay a dog with a healthy uterus versus a dog with an abnormal uterus.
Overpopulation
Finally, here is a sobering truth to consider. The sad reality is that shelters end up being overcrowded, which results in euthanization. Shelters such as BARCS had a 90% save rate in 2018, and you can help in that effort. Female dogs can produce 10s of thousands of puppies in only a matter of years! The same goes for female cats. With this in mind, many dogs and cats would end up homeless or in shelters, which spaying can help combat.
Neutering Combats Testicular Cancer, Prostate Issues, and Behavioral Issues
Testicular cancer is fatal in about 50% of dogs. Almost 1 in 3 dogs will develop testicular cancer if they are unneutered. You can fight those odds by neutering your canine companion around six months of age. This process will also help fight against prostate cancer. Also, it helps to prevent prostate issues. Prostate issues such as prostatitis is an infection that’s more likely to happen with unneutered dogs than intact dogs.
Finally, a neutered dog is much better for a family because of the decrease in aggression. There will also be a lesser chance of a male dog marking his territory or bothering a female dog when she’s in heat.
If you have more questions about the benefits and risks of spaying and neutering, contact Mount Carmel Animal Hospital. One of our compassionate and experienced veterinarians will be more than happy to answer your questions.
Here at Mount Carmel Animal Hospital, We’ll Treat Your Pets Like Family!
Mount Carmel Animal Hospital has been serving the Northern Baltimore/Southern York community for over 30 years and is proud to be an independently operated, small animal practice committed to excellence in veterinary medicine and client service. From grooming to wellness services, along with Canine Life Skills Training Courses, and surgical procedures, we have the expertise that will best serve the needs of you and your pet. Contact us at 410-343-0200 and follow us on Facebook!