In this day and age there simply no reasons not to alter your pet. The benefits of spaying and neutering are many and are important. One of the most profound is the contribution it makes to the great problem of pet overpopulation in this country. Every year, approximately 8-12 million pets enter shelters and approximately 5-9 million never leave. There are so many homeless pets there simply isn’t room for all of them. Those not fortunate enough to be adopted end up spending the remainder of their lives in a shelter or are often euthanized.
There are a list of reasons animals end up in shelters. Many are surrendered pets given up by owners who turn in their pets for behavioral issues. This is another issue contributed to by not altering your pet. Male dogs are more dominant and burdened with a higher sexual drive which can cause problems like aggression, over-stimulation, mounting, scent-marking and a tendency to be one-track-minded. A male dog who is not neutered is likely to think for himself and not listen because his brain is simply somewhere else. Male dogs are also more likely to wander and try to escape. Why? Their hormones are calling them to search for a mate. Removing the need to escape and wander creates dogs who are less likely to wander and be hit by cars. Un-neutered, male dogs also run a higher risk of certain cancers which neutering can eliminate. Neutering before 6 months of age greatly reduces all of these risks. When neutering males later in life, often the problems of scent-marking and mounting remain, even after neutering.
Females who are not spayed go into heat within 6 months to a year of age. This is a bit of a messy problem, but also one that can cause personality changes and sometimes false pregnancies. An owner of an unaltered female must take the responsibility to keep their pet confined to prevent unwanted pregnancies. While spaying before first heat is optimal, some research shows that early spaying contributes to growth problems, bladder and incontinence issues and increased risk of thyroid problems. If an owner chooses to wait to spay after first heat, it is imperative they keep their pet confined during their heat period. Not spaying after the first heat, or at all, increases the risk of uterine and mammary cancers and of course, the risk of unwanted pregnancies and pet over-population.
There’s more. Your pet will be a happier pet. Spaying and neutering helps a dog be more focused, relaxed and content. It also helps to facilitate training, which in turn, improves the relationship with your dog. A well-trained dog is a happier dog and a more enjoyable companion. At dog parks, boarding facilities and places where dogs congregate and socialize, your dog will be less likely to be involved in a fight or aggressive situations (as the attacker or the victim), less likely to bite, less likely to mount other dogs, less likely to attract unwanted attention and be a more enjoyable, friendly and social dog for people and pets alike to be around.
For those who feel the emotional strain of losing their reproductive organs is too much on the owner themselves (dogs do not mourn the loss of these or of appendages either!) there are prosthetic replacements. Check outNeuticles . Yes, you saw right. Prosthetic testicles for dogs.
Perhaps owners are concerned about the cost of spaying and neutering. Well there’s an answer to that too. Low-cost spay/neuter clinics and vets provide low-cost services to people looking for a solution to the cost of surgery. Certain organizations provide certificates for low-cost or free spay/neuter as well.
As pet owners, lovers, guardians and pet parents can see, the benefits of altering greatly outweigh the disadvantages and doing so couldn’t be easier with the access to low-cost and free spay/neuter options. Dogs and cats have been bred out over the years to create domesticated animals who are safely able to share our lives. A good part of how dogs live is nothing short of “un-natural” because we have changed that by breeding out the wild instincts in them, having them live in our homes and treating them like family. It’s funny, but when dogs do what comes naturally to them, like barking, chewing, digging, jumping…we train them not to, so as to make them more enjoyable companions. We are asking them to behave in a manner that is not “natural” for dogs. Why make life more difficult for them to live in our world by not spaying and neutering?
There are still some who feel their pet is too cute not to breed and opt not to alter their pets for this reason. While this may be true, breeding is a responsibility best left up to responsible and experienced breeders. Breeding is a huge responsibility and not just about making puppies. Experienced and reputable breeders do it, not for the money, but for upkeep of the breed and upkeep of healthy animals. A great deal of money goes into genetic testing and health expenses and responsible breeders are aware of the lineage of their dogs and where exactly they came from and, where they go to. They are careful not to in-breed and have extensive knowledge on the subject. A subject that should not be entered into lightly. Leave the breeding to the experts and don’t breed your dog, for this and a list of many other reasons. For more information on breeding and the difference between backyard breeders vs. reputable/responsible breeders, check out: A Comparison of Backyard vs. Reputable Breeders
An altered pet is a happier, healthier, more enjoyable, social and more trainable pet. One that both owners and dog lovers alike can enjoy for many years to come. A responsible owner is one to be respected for they have made the decision to be responsible for their dog's physical and mental health and have chosen, responsibly and selflessly, to remove the possibility of adding to the already large problem of pet overpopulation in this country.
Please, spay and neuter your pets. For the well-being of your pet, your relationship with your pet and the lives of homeless animals everywhere.
If you still need a reason…follow this link:
In Hope
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