Why You Should Spay Or Neuter Your Pet

It is very important to spay or neuter your pet for many, mean reasons. Some may be obvious, but some not so obvious.

Some people might get a cat or dog - pure bred or mixed breed - and think about breeding their pet for money, or other reasons. Even when dog or cat breeding is done "correctly," it is very costly, time consuming and emotionally draining. Whether breeding is done on purpose or by accident, a very large percentage of pregnant female dogs/cats and their puppies/kittens end up at kill shelters or suffer terrible consequences on the streets. 9 to 10 million animals are killed in shelters every year due to irresponsible breeding and "accidental" breeding - people not spaying and neutering their pets. Whether you have a very expensive pure bred dog/cat or a mixed breed, there is never a reason to breed him or her.

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If you are concerned with the cost of a spay or neuter, do not be. It is not that expensive to begin with, and the possible consequences of having an un-altered pet will be far more expensive than a simple spay or neuter surgery ever would. Certain areas in the United States actually offer free spay and neuter surgeries - so do some research to find out if you are in one of those lucky areas. There are also programs through rescue organizations that offer deeply discounted spays and neuters if there isn't a free option available in your area.

Another reason to spay or neuter your cat or dog is for good health reasons. Spaying and neutering greatly reduces your pet's risk of cancer as he or she gets older. There are cancer treatments for animals, but just like with humans they are not guaranteed, and they are very, very expensive. The risk of developing kidney and bladder infections is also reduced, as are uterine and pelvic infections for female pets. These are also not cheap to treat.

Dogs are less likely to stray from home if he or she is altered. When female dogs are in heat, they seek out male dogs. It is instinctive and if your female dog is to get loose, she will most likely be gone for days, if she returns at all. If she does come back, you will most certainly have a pregnant dog to deal with. Male dogs who aren't neutered tend to be more aggressive and temperamental - regardless of the breed or age.

Dogs that are altered are easier to house train. And who wouldn't want that? Neutered males are less likely to mark the furniture or anything else in the house and female dogs will not be leaving the "mess" from being in heat - smell included - all over your house for a minimum of 10 days, since she is spayed.

Lastly, and most importantly, you will help control the number of unwanted dogs and cats in the world who die every year in shelters, or by other means. An animal is euthanized every 3 seconds of every day. That is a sad, disturbing fact that stems from people not spaying or neutering their pets. By being responsible and altering your pet, you will be doing your part to end animal homelessness.

Why You Should Spay Or Neuter Your Pet

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SPAY A CAT