We are often told to spay or neuter our pets, and many of us do it routinely when we adopt new pets. This is a good thing, and knowing why it’s important to spay or neuter your pet will only make you feel better about the decision.

The main thing we might think of when deciding to spay or neuter is the many pets out there lacking good homes. Adding more animals to that population only makes it harder for shelters to place deserving pets.

Health Benefits of Spaying or Neutering

On top of that, there are many health reasons for spaying or neutering your pet.

Your female pet won’t go into heat. If you have had a dog in heat, you know it can be an interesting experience. Spaying your pet will ensure that your dog or cat doesn’t have to go through it unnecessarily.

Your male dog will wander less. Neutered dogs don’t have the same instinct to explore the territory around them. That will make them more likely to stay in the yard and less likely to be hit by cars or get into other danger.

Help Your Pets Live Longer

Spaying or neutering your pets helps them live longer. In fact, studies by the University of Georgia have shown that spayed dogs live up to 26% longer. Meanwhile, neutered cats can live an astounding 62% longer. That’s a huge difference!

The reason for the longer lifespans? Spaying and neutering reduces many risky behaviors in pets. When male cats wander less, for instance, they are much less likely to run into conflicts with other cats or get hit by cars.

Spaying and neutering your pet also reduces their odds of developing certain types of cancer. Spayed females are less likely to suffer from breast cancer, and neutering dogs eliminates their risk of developing testicular cancer.

If you have any questions about spaying or neutering your dog or cat, talk with your veterinarian. Contact Quail Ridge Animal Hospital today to book an appointment or to learn more.