Veterinarian Fox Chapel | Choose To Spay Or Neuter
One of the first decisions about your pet’s health, according to veterinarian Fox Chapel is deciding to spay or neuter your cat or dog. There are so many reasons why you should, that celebrities often are seen advocating for this important procedure, from Betty White, George Lopez and Jake Gyllenhaal and more.
The reason why so many celebrities advocate for these procedures, is not just that pets that are not spayed or neutered can go on to have liters, if they escape, or if accidents happen, which contributes to the pet population explosion. But while 70% of households in America have at least one pet, a number, which by the way has been on the rise since 1986, says Dr. Linkenheimer the expert veterinarian Fox Chapel.
Prevent More Shelter Animals
But also, while there are millions of pets in loving homes, there are millions that are sitting in shelters, waiting for a home. A home that unfortunately will never come. By helping pet owners prevent unwanted puppies and kitties, more animals can be shared the injustice of living their short lives in a shelter, and unloved by a family. Approximately 3.1 million dogs and 3.2 million cats are waiting for their “fur” ever homes in an American shelter.
It’s not just unwanted pets that should convince pet owners to spay or neuter, says Linkenheimer. It’s also a great way to ensure your pets are more likely to live a longer, healthier life. According to the University of Georgia, the life expectancy of both cats and dogs are lengthened when they have been spayed or neutered. The reason, in part, according to veterinarian Fox Chapel Dr. Linkenheimer is that pets who have been fixed are less likely to want to roam.
Veterinarian Fox Chapel | Discourage Unwanted Behaviors
Roaming exposes animals to other animals they can fight with, get into mischief that leads to injuries and infections, and trauma from vehicles. Not only that, but animals who have not been spayed or neutered have an increased risk of certain cancers of the reproductive systems. This can include diseases like pyometra and uterine or mammary gland cancer for females, or testicular cancer or prostatic hyperplasia for males.
Intact animals are also more prone to marking territory with urine, and neutering can reduce around 90% of this behavior in cats, and usually eliminate it completely in dogs. Other behavioural problems that are often eliminated after getting spayed or neutered includes aggressive behavior, excessive barking, behaviors that are often associated with being in heat, such as mounting, yowling, vocalizing and rolling. While this is not a cure-all for an animal’s behavioural problems, it just generally makes sense to spay or neuter your animals when looking at it from all angles. Prevent unwanted liters, protect the health of your furry family members, and discourage unwanted behaviours. Sounds like a win-win for everybody.
To Spay Or Not To Spay Is The Question
Some of the hesitancy to spay or neuter pets in the past has been about their behaviour, as well as some pets can be more susceptible to weight gain after they get spayed or neutered due to the decreased metabolism that follows this type of procedure. However, veterinarian Fox Chapel says these concerns are easily reassured by an appropriate diet, and regular check ins to ensure the animal remains healthy.
If pet owners would like more information on getting their cat or dog spayed or neutered, the caring experts at River Valley Veterinary Hospital would love to hear from you! Contact them, and set up an initial appointment in order to make a decision that may be the most important one in your pet’s life!