To Spay or Not to Spay Shouldn’t Be the Question

If you’re thinking of adopting a pet, or have recently adopted a pet, the first decision you’ll likely make is whether to spay or neuter your pet. This procedure must be done by a qualified veterinarian. However, this procedure requires minimal hospitalisation and offers long-term health benefits. We discuss the importance and benefits of spaying and how it can benefit your animal in the long run.

What is Spaying and Neutering?

Spaying involves removing the uterus or ovaries of a female pet. Neutering is to remove the testicles of a male animal. One of the positive results is an improved pet and we all love a happy pet.

In both instances, the aim is to prevent the animal from reproducing. Although kittens and puppies are objectively adorable, you may not have the budget to feed those extra mouths. That said, having multiple pets does become feasible with pet insurance to foot the vet bills. But if you’d prefer to keep your fur babies to a minimum, rather opt to have your pet spayed anyway.

Why Should You Spay Your Pet?

The single, most important benefit to spaying and neutering is that it helps to save dogs and cats from the hardships and death caused by overpopulation.

This is a serious issue as shelters around the world are struggling to keep up with the vast numbers of cats and dogs living on the streets. Despite this very serious issue, many would discourage the procedure as some deem it as cruel.

The Health Benefits of Neutering or Spaying Your Pet

• Spaying helps to prevent infections and uterine cancer in female dogs and eliminates most risks for breast tumour. These are malignant or cancerous in about 50% of dogs.
• Neutering of dogs helps to prevent cancer and problems with the prostate gland and lowers the risk of perianal tumours.
• Neutered dogs live 18% longer when compared to unneutered dogs.
• Spayed dogs live 23% longer when compared to unspayed dogs.
• Your spayed dog won’t go into heat. Female felines go into heat four to five days every three weeks during the breeding season. As a way of attracting the male counterpart, they will urinate more frequently, often all over the house.
• Neutered dogs and cats tend to be more affectionate toward their human families.
• Unneutered dogs and cats feel it necessary to mark their territory by “spraying” their urine all over the house.
• Neutering and spaying will not make your pet fat. Your pet will remain trim and fit as long as you continue to provide opportunities for exercise and monitor their feedings.
• Spaying cats helps to eliminate the risk of them developing pyometra which is a fatal condition of the uterus that requires surgery to treat.
• Spaying cats with diabetes or epilepsy can prevent hormonal changes that may interfere with medication.

As a new pet owner, spaying a dog is one of the most responsible ways you can care for its wellbeing in the long run. The same applies to cats. Apart from the shorter recovery time, spaying and neutering can offer many benefits for your four-legged friends, while also eliminating a number of long-term health issues that could end up costing you money. Vet visits aren’t cheap after all. Thankfully, this is where pet cover comes in as it assists in covering the costs associated with vet visits.