Becoming a new pet owner is an exciting experience. While you’ll be getting your new furry friend settled in your home, there are a few important decisions to make for your pet. Choosing to neuter – or spay – your pet is a decision you want to make early on. At TCAP, we recommend spaying or neutering for all household pets to help with population control and improve your pet’s general health.
Spaying or neutering your pet allows you to play your part in preventing animal overpopulation. The ASPCA estimates that 920,000 shelter animals are euthanized annually – a drastic decline from the peak of 2.6 million in 2011. As neutering becomes a more common part of responsible pet ownership, it’s also bringing a range of other benefits for pets and their owners.
Instead of waiting until a pet has had an unwanted litter, more pet owners are choosing to spay or neuter their pets earlier. We’re sharing everything you need to know about why you should spay or neuter your pet.
What is Spaying and Neutering?
Neutering is the term used to describe the surgical removal of a cat or dog’s reproductive organs. The term ‘spaying’ is used for the removal of a female pet’s ovaries and uterus, while the equivalent surgery for a male pet is often called ‘castration’.
Read more: What is the difference between spay and neuter?
Neutering your pet helps prevent animal overpopulation and has health and behavioral benefits. Choosing to neuter your pet can help reduce their risk of developing serious health conditions and improve their life expectancy.
Why You Should Spay or Neuter Your Pet
The main reason owners choose to neuter their pets is to prevent unwanted litters. Keep pets out of shelters! Spaying a female cat or dog removes its heat cycle, including the behavior associated with these hormonal changes, such as anxiety, aggression, and excessive nervousness
Neutered pets are less likely to mark territory and generally become more affectionate pets as they are less likely to exhibit behavioral problems. Neutering your pet is likely to improve their lifespan by reducing their risk of developing serious health issues, including ovarian and prostate cancer.
An estimated 6.3 million animals enter shelters annually across the United States. Operating shelters and dealing with the negative consequences of non-neutered animals, such as dog attacks or bites, are financially costly for the local community.
Choosing to spay or neuter is good for your pet, your household, and your wider community.
4 Benefits of Spaying and Neutering Pets
Preventing overpopulation is the only reason to spay or neuter your pet. It can make your journey as a pet owner more enjoyable and improve your pet’s quality of life. We’re sharing four reasons why every pet owner should consider neutering their cat or dog.
- Reduces potential health problems for a longer lifespan
Spaying your female pet before her first cycle drastically reduces her potential risk for developing breast cancer and eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer. Similarly, male pets are less likely to develop hernias or perianal tumors. Neutered pets face fewer potential health problems and generally enjoy a longer lifespan.
- Make your pet a better companion by eliminating problematic behavior
Your pet is your best friend. Choosing to neuter a cat or dog early in life can improve their general behavior and make them a better companion. Neutered male cats and dogs are less likely to mark territory and female pets won’t display hostile behaviors.
- Removes the risk of unwanted litters
Most pet owners don’t intend to raise a litter of cats or dogs. They can be a financial and mental burden, one of the main reasons why unwanted litters often end up in shelters or abandoned. Spaying your female pets removes the risk of unwanted pregnancies.
- Reduces potential accidents and improves hygiene
When a female pet is in heat, it produces body fluid, which can lead to potential accidents and stains around your home. Spaying your pets reduces potential accidents and helps improve their overall hygiene.
FAQs about Neutering Cats and Dogs
Do you have a question about spaying or neutering your pet? Use our TCAPBot or contact form.
- What happens if you don’t neuter your pet?
Pets who aren’t neutered have a higher risk of contracting serious health conditions related to their reproductive organs. Female pets that aren’t spayed are more likely to develop uterine infections, which can be potentially fatal, and are at risk of unwanted pregnancies. If you don’t plan on responsibly breeding your pet, it’s always best to neuter or spay.
- What is the best age to neuter a cat?
Most pets will be neutered at around four months old, although there’s no set timeframe for when your cat must be neutered. Vets typically recommend that your pet receive all their primary vaccinations before the surgery. Older pets, so long as they’re healthy, can still be neutered.
- Do pets become friendlier and calmer after neutering?
Most pets will become calmer after being neutered, including male dogs. They are less likely to present hostile behaviors and will become better companion animals.
- How much is it to get a female dog spayed?
The average cost of spaying a dog ranges from $50 to $500. Check out our in-depth guide on the cost of having a female dog spayed. At TPAC, our puppy spay/neuter and vaccine wellness package costs $150 and includes spay surgery, 3 vaccine visits, post-surgery pain medication, cone, microchip, and a free gift.
Post-Neutering Aftercare for Pets
Your vet will provide specific aftercare advice to help your pet following their neutering or spaying surgery. Here are some of our top tips for post-neutering aftercare:
- Monitor your pet in the days after their surgery, including checking their stitches regularly. Your vet will typically book a follow-up appointment.
- Follow the vet’s advice if they’ve prescribed any medication for your pet post-surgery.
- A cone can help prevent your pet from licking or irritating their surgical wound while still being able to eat as normal.
- Give your pet plenty of space and allow them to rest for a few days, including preventing them from jumping on furniture.
Affordable Neutering Services in North Texas
At TCAP, we strive to make neutering and spaying services affordable and accessible to tackle animal overpopulation. We offer low-cost spays, neuters, and vaccinations throughout the North Texas region. Check out our spay and neutering locations and appointment options to book your affordable neutering service.
