Top Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet

Feb Spay or Neuter

Did you know that millions of cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters each year? Spaying and neutering help prevent cat and dog overpopulation that results in pet homelessness and overcrowded shelters. They also offer many health and behavioral benefits for your furry companion. Here is a look at the top reasons our dedicated veterinary team at Rainier West Veterinary Hospital recommends spaying or neutering your pet.

Your Pet Will Live a Healthier Life

Spaying and neutering offer significant health benefits for cats and dogs. Spaying female pets helps prevent uterine, ovarian, and breast cancers, especially if performed before the first heat cycle. It also helps lower the risk of a serious uterine infection known as pyometra. Neutering male pets can help prevent testicular cancer and reduce the risk of prostate problems. Spayed or neutered pets tend to live longer, healthier lives. 

Your Spayed Female Pet Won’t Go into Heat

Having a female pet in heat in your home can be quite a challenge. Your furry friend may yowl, leave stains on your furniture or carpets, and attract unwanted males seeking mates to your property. A spayed female will be more content and won’t display these unwanted behaviors. 

Male Pets Are Less Likely to Mark Their Territory

The last thing you want to deal with is a male cat or dog marking his territory by spraying urine around your home. You’ll also enjoy taking walks without your canine companion having the urge to stop every few steps to leave his scent. 

Your Pets Is Less Likely to Try to Escape

Intact pets, especially males, will do just about anything to escape from your home in search of a mate. That puts them at risk of getting into accidents or confrontations with other males. 

Your Pet Will Be Better Behaved

Spayed and neutered pets are typically better behaved than unaltered pets. They are less likely to yowl, wail, bite, spray, or display aggressive behaviors. While altering your pet won’t solve every problem, it can significantly reduce many undesirable behaviors and leave you with a happier, more content furry companion. 

Your Pet Will Not Become Obese

Overfeeding and lack of exercise are the two leading causes of pet obesity. As long as you continue monitoring food intake and keep your furry companion active, your cat or dog will stay fit and trim after being spayed or neutered. 

You Will Save Money in the Long Run

The cost of spaying or neutering your pet is much less than treating cancers or infections of the reproductive system or providing care, food, and shelter for a new pet litter. Intact pets can be more destructive and can become injured in fights with neighboring strays, requiring costly treatments. 

You Will Help Curb Pet Overpopulation

With so many unwanted cats and dogs born daily, there aren’t enough pet parents available to provide loving homes. The result is overcrowded shelters and a growing pet homelessness problem. Spaying or neutering your pet is one of the most humane ways to fight the pet overpopulation crisis. 

Spaying or Neutering Can Benefit Your Community

Increased pet homelessness can lead to stray animals roaming around, displaying aggressive behaviors, and causing injury to humans or local wildlife. Preventing unwanted litters can help protect the natural ecosystem and preserve your local wildlife population. Moreover, it will save millions of dollars your local community and shelters spend each year caring for unwanted cats and dogs. 

Spay and Neuter Near Me in Lacey, WA

Dr. Doyle and her dedicated team at Rainier West Veterinary Hospital are happy to answer your questions and address any concerns about spaying or neutering your furry companion. You can always count on us for compassionate, gentle care. We invite you to contact our office at (360) 339-8262 to schedule your pet’s appointment or request one online today!