Dogs and Cats: Neuter Or Not?
When you search the Internet, you are rarely shown both sides. In fact, aside from a few instances of poor health (making surgery risky), or wanting the pet to reproduce (for example, a show dog or cat), there are very few reasons to avoid neutering your pet.
Studies have shown there are solid advantages to neutering. In the case of females, spaying the cat or dog by 6 months (or the first heat), greatly decreases the probability of breast cancer later in life. Breast cancer has a high mortality rate, with 50 percent for dogs, 90 percent for cats, so early prevention is important. As well, the risk of uterine cancer in dogs and cats also increases, unless spaying is performed early on.
Neutering your pet can prevent problems in the home. While in heat, cats and dogs can make messes with discharges or spraying, can experience behavioral issues, can upset people with noise and mating activities, and really are an annoyance. Neutering makes this behavior cease, making the pet more even-tempered.
Evidence that neutering is effective but safe is that the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals actually neuters all older cats and dogs that are adopted. Many concerns for cat or dog neutering are because of our feelings on the topic. What seems to be major surgery for us is not the same to our dogs and cats. And while there's the biological instinct to breed in all creatures, there seems to be no problems when it is prevented.
Neutering helps decrease the dog and cat population. While kittens and puppies are cute, few are willing to care for a full litter. These animals must go some place, and so are set 'free' or put in shelters, looking at an early death. Unwanted pets also result in more homeless cats and dogs, with increased problems in urban areas. The life of a semi-wild former pet is not good, and so neutering prevents any dog or cat from ending up like that.
Neutering may be performed early, at about six months. The procedure can be an overnight event or for the same day (dependent on the veterinarian's policy), and there may need to be a second trip to remove any stitches. Talk to your vet for further instructions.
While we may view the neutering of a cat or dog with a little concern, it is a loving thing to do for your cat or dog, enabling them to have an improved life, and likely a longer one.
Related Tags: animal, dog health, pet care, cat health, cat care, dog care, pet health, cat disease, animal care, dog dis
Eric Hartwell oversees "The World's Best Homepage" intended to be a user-generated resource where YOUR opinion counts. Anybody can contribute and all are welcomed. Visit us to read, comment upon or share opinions on pets, cat and dog care and animal health and visit our associated site articles for free.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- The Time I Had a Pet Blue Wasp
A lot of people have pets such as dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, turtles and some even have snakes and - Why Should You Buy Barking Collars For Dogs?
You love your dog but he always barks and misbehaves. It is very upsetting for owners to have dogs t - What to Consider Before Adopting a Dog
There may be plenty of occasions in your life when a puppy crosses your path and desperately needs a - What Do Pet Insurance Policies Cover?
The most basic pet insurance policies simply cover vet bills. More advanced policies can cover every - Dog Walkers Are They For You
If you own a dog then you will know how important it is to ensure that it is walked often to keep th - Creating the Right First Aid Kit For Your Dog
Most of us have some type of first aid kit in our homes. They are necessary for those small bumps an - Deciding to Crate Your Dog For Training
There are several different ways that you may decide to use to train your new dog and they are all v - What to Know About Diets For Dogs
Weight seems to be a struggle for just about anyone, and that is true in the world of dogs. In fact, - Dog Training Basics - Important Tips to Remember
Training your dog is important. It's important for his safety, your safety, the safety of your prope - Don't Go Raising Sheep For Wool Without Reading This!
There are many possible reasons why people choose to raise sheep. Some do it as a means of livelihoo
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever Puppy And Dog Information
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is not an apartment dog. She needs plenty of room to exercise and havin - How To Choose The Right Dog Trainer
Choosing a trainer is a very important decision and one that requires a fair amount of research and - Can Greenies Dog Treats Recover From Death?
A Makeover For Greenies(r) Treats Months after a series of lawsuits and media attention alleged the - Dog Treats - How to Choose Healthy Treats for Your Dog
Your dog is indeed your best friend and how you feed him or her is very important. Even small items - How to Choose A Good Dog Trainer
If you find that you are not being successful in training your own dog, or maybe you don't have the - Dog Breeds and Asthma Sufferers: Are Hypoallergenic Breeds Always Best?
The first important consideration is to understand exactly what hypoallergenic dog breeds are. In sh - Audubon Bird Feeders
Bird watching is an enjoyable hobby for many of us. We love the antics of the different birds as - Must Have Accessories For Your Fish Tank
When many individuals think of fish tank accessories, decorations are often the first thing that com - The Beautifull Hummingbirds
The hummingbirds diet requires nectar as a source of energy and for their protein source small insec - Clumber Spaniel Puppy And Dog Information
The Clumber Spaniel is an intelligent, calm dog great for apartments as they do not need a great dea
