Spay or Neuter to Protect Your Pet
Crossroads Pet Hospital highly recommends spaying or neutering pets as part of a complete health program. Not only does the procedure help prevent stray animals and crowded shelters, but it can also help your pet’s overall health!
HEALTH BENEFITS OF SPAYING OR NEUTERING
Yes, spaying or neutering eases strains on local shelters, but there could be health benefits for your pet as well. Research has found a potential correlation between spaying or neutering and a longer life, since organs that eventually become cancerous are removed.
Other important benefits of spaying or neutering include:
- No unwanted pregnancies
- No heat cycle (females)
- Less tendency to roam in search of a mate (males and females)
- A lower risk for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer (females)
- A lower risk for testicular cancer and prostate cancer (males)
- Less likelihood of spraying/marking in the house (male dogs and cats)
- Less risk of becoming aggressive (males)
- Also less likely to engage in mounting behaviors (males)
Ready to consider a spay or neuter procedure for your pet?
Myths about Spaying or Neutering
There are several misconceptions about spaying and neutering, including:
- Weight gain: There is little evidence to support the claim that pets will gain weight after being spayed or neutered. Once your pet has recovered fully from surgery and had their sutures removed, they should return to an active lifestyle and be on a balanced, age-appropriate diet.
- Personality changes: Don’t worry—your pet’s sweet personality isn’t going anywhere! Spaying or neutering does not affect a pet’s intelligence or personality.
- Expensive: Spaying or neutering is generally affordable. If cost is a concern, call us. The alternative of caring for a pregnant pet and eventual litter is much higher cost than a one-time spay or neuter procedure.