Pros of Spaying Pets

Spaying an animal involves surgically removing the pets ovaries and uterus. This can seem harsh to some pet owners, but the benefits of a spayed pet can outweigh the drawbacks. Even if your animal isn't at risk of getting pregnant, its behavior while in heat can be enough to take you to the animal doctor. It is important to note that it isn't only cats and dogs that need to be spayed; rabbits, for example, are among the quickest reproducers.

  1. Pregnancy

    • After spaying, the pet will take a couple days to recover from surgery, but after that, there will be no risk for pregnancy-related stress or birth complications. The number of male animals attempting to court your animal will decrease. This is because your pet doesn't go through heat and isn't sending scents to male animals. Many animals will develop mammary tumors if they aren't spayed. Approximately 50 percent of female dogs older than 5 years get these tumors, according to Pawprints and Purrs, Inc. That number drops to 1 percent among spayed dogs.

    Obedience

    • Spayed cats will not require discipline for howling or rubbing themselves against various objects. Pets can become stressed and overly aggressive when they are in heat. They might not respond to their owners and they can become angry with strangers and other dogs.

    Population

    • Homeless animals are found in almost every urban setting. According to the Humane Society, 6 to 8 million animals are registered in shelters each year in the United States. Nearly half are adopted but the other half are euthanized. Many of the animals aren't born from street dogs and cats; instead, they are often left by people who's animals had offspring. Spaying an animal is the only way to guarantee that your pet doesn't have offspring that could end up in a shelter.

    When to Spay

    • Pets aged 6 to 14 weeks are prime for spaying, despite a misconception that people have to wait until after they reach 5 to 7 months. Spaying young pets is called early age altering. The survival rate for spaying during the younger period has increased due to advancements in anesthetic techniques. Cat Fanciers' Association Health Committee member Susan Little states, "These concerns have largely been laid to rest by many studies, and early altering is becoming more widespread and available."