Any responsible pet owner will understand the importance of getting your pet spayed and neutered as early as possible. Not only does failing to do so increase your chance of unwanted puppies or kittens but remaining intact can also have long-term health concerns for your pet.
There is a common misconception that you should allow your pet to have just one litter, but this is a myth. Breeding your dog or cat increases their chances of contracting a wide range of conditions, including uterine infections and cancers, as well as increasing the risk that your male cat will roam and become lost or injured. Neutering male pets can also help with behavioral issues by reducing the amount of testosterone.
Spaying and neutering are standard, routine operations that can come with a range of benefits for your pet. Despite their simplicity, it is crucial that you have a veterinarian you can trust to carry out the procedure. Here at Woods Avenue Animal Clinic, we are dedicated to putting your pet first and have a wealth of experience within the team to ensure that your cat or dog is on the road to recovery in no time. We are located right here in Oceanside NY.
Why Do I Need To Spay Or Neuter My Pet?
Getting your pet spayed or neutered should be a top priority for pet owners, and there are a range of benefits and advantages to your cat or dog.
- No litters
- There is no denying that kittens and puppies are super cute, but being a pet owner also comes with a fair share of responsibilities.
- You will have a duty to find loving, safe homes for any litters produced by your pet, and with cats potentially producing up to ten offspring, this is a big challenge.
- Take responsibility and do not be part of the growing pandemic of abandoned puppies and kittens who are filling up rehoming centers.
- Reduce the risk of disease
- Leaving your cat or dog intact increases their risk of many conditions. Females, in particular, are prone to developing cancerous breast tumors, or uterine infections; these tend to develop at a rate of 50% in dogs, and 90% in cats. You should ensure that your pet is spayed before her first heat to help protect against this.
- In addition, male pets can develop prostate issues, and testicular cancer. Neutering early on helps to reduce the chances of a serious problem developing in later life.
- Behavioral issues
- Many pet owners report behavioral problems in their male pets, and this is often attributed to an increase in testosterone. Unneutered cats and dogs will tend to mark their territory, and this is achieved by spraying urine around the house, which smells very strong.
- Females in heat will yowl consistently, as well as risking urination throughout the home in an attempt to attract a mate.
Dogs, in particular, can also display signs of aggression prior to being neutered, and they may mount people or other animals, which can be embarrassing at best, and frightening at worst for those who do not like dogs. Neutering your pet allows you to reduce the level of testosterone, and this is a top reason for unwanted behavior. It is important to remember that any habitual behavior will not be resolved by neutering and that your dog’s individual personality, history, and nature will come into play.
- Reduce the risk of losing your pet
- An animal in heat will be desperate to find a mate, and dogs have a tendency to roam. This may result in them trying to escape from the home, and this increases their risk of injury from the outside world, including other animals or traffic accidents.
- More cost-effective for owners
- There is no denying that spaying and neutering come with a price tag, but this is a far lower cost than having to raise and care for a litter.
- It will not cause weight gain
- Many pet owners are reluctant to neuter their pets due to a risk of weight gain, but it is important to note that this is a myth.
- Keeping your pet in good shape involves managing a healthy, balanced diet and plenty of exercises, and these will not be impacted by being neutered.
Choose A Compassionate Practitioner
When considering the best place for your pet’s medical care, it is crucial that you have a veterinarian and team that you can trust. Here at Woods Avenue Animal Clinic, we always put the needs of your pet first. We will use your pet’s individual history as a key part of our process, and this ensures that you receive a personalized treatment, which is the perfect match for your cat or dog. Whether they have allergies, underlying health issues, or are simply scared of the vet, we will work to make sure that a first-class course of treatment is in place.
Dr. Gower and his team have a wealth of experience and have the well-being of your pet as their only priority. With over three decades in the business, we can carry out your neutering or spaying, and do our best to keep your pet calm, relaxed, and back to feeling their best in no time. Contact us today!
