Many people worry that spaying or neutering their pets will hurt them or make them less active. However, many experts say that spaying and neutering have many benefits for cats and dogs, including reducing the risk of certain cancers, behavioral problems, and overpopulation. Most importantly, it does not significantly change your pet’s personality or energy level.
But do pets really mind being spayed or neutered? Here’s what experts are saying.
Do Pets Get Hurt During the Procedure?
According to vets, they give anesthesia to pets during the procedure to make sure they don’t feel any pain. Some pets may be a little groggy after the anesthesia wears off, but they can return to normal within a day or two.
For both male and female pets, spaying or neutering removes the sex hormones responsible for many sexual behaviors, such as roaming, mounting, urine marking, and howling or yowling (in cats). This can help reduce conflict between animals and make your pet less likely to try to escape the house to find a mate.
Benefits of Pet Spaying and Neutering According to Studies
Like vaccinations (learn more here), there are many benefits to spaying and neutering pets, according to studies. For example, one study showed that spayed or neutered dogs were less likely to roam, fight, or mark their territory with urine. Another study showed that spayed or neutered cats were less likely to spray urine, yowl, or fight with other cats.
Here are other advantages:
- Spaying or neutering can lessen the risk of certain cancers, such as ovarian cancer in females and testicular cancer in males.
- Neutering males can also help reduce the risk of prostate problems later in life.
- Spaying females before their first heat cycle can help reduce the risk of mammary cancer later in life.
- Spayed or neutered cats and dogs are less likely to get into car accidents because they’re not roaming around looking for mates.
- Spaying and neutering can help minimize the number of homeless animals euthanized every year. In the U.S., it’s estimated that over 6.3 million cats and dogs enter shelters each year, and about 920,000 are euthanized.
Health Risks of Pet Spaying and Neutering
There are some risks associated with spaying and neutering. For example, spayed or neutered pets may be slightly more prone to obesity because they have a slower metabolism. However, you can easily prevent this with proper diet and exercise.
Other disadvantages include:
- Neutering your dog early doubles the risk of hip dysplasia.
- Spaying your female dog prior to their first heat cycle triples the risk of incontinence later in their life, according to the Royal Veterinary College (RVC).
- Spaying and neutering can lead to weight gain and other health problems if not done properly.
- Pets that are spayed or neutered are more likely to develop hypothyroidism.
- Spaying female dogs before one year of age increases the risk of osteosarcoma – a type of bone cancer.
What About Behavioral Changes?
Some people worry that spaying or neutering will change their pet’s personality or energy level. Many experts say that it can help reduce behavioral problems, such as aggression and roaming.
Many vets even argue that this is a part of pet wellness for your pet because it can improve their quality of life and help them live longer and healthier lives. Make sure to find a reputable vet clinic or hospital for these procedures. Ask for referrals or look online. For instance, search “veterinary hospital near me” to narrow your search within your location.
In Conclusion
Overall, pet spaying or neutering is a personal decision. But, if you are considering it, there are many things to keep in mind, such as the health benefits and risks and the behavioral changes that may occur. Bring them to a reputable dog or cat spay hospital (or neuter) to ensure their safety and health.
