A massive overpopulation of cats and dogs means that approximately 3.7 million animals that live in shelters have to be euthanized each year due to a lack of willing adopters. This is a heart-breaking figure for any animal lover, and many responsible owners are now choosing to neuter or spay their pets to help prevent more animals going without loving homes.
What exactly does neutering or spaying entail?
Neutering is the removal of testicles in male animals and spaying is the removal of the uterus and ovaries of females.
Aside from overpopulation, there are plenty of other reasons why you should consider neutering or spaying your pets, including a number of serious health benefits. Here are some examples why we highly recommend this procedure for your pet.
Females in heat can be very noisy and messy as they urinate much more often and aren’t too fussy about where they do it! With heat cycles lasting 4/5 days and occurring every 3 weeks during the breeding season, it can be a difficult time. Spayed females will not go into heat and so this problem will be eradicated.
Un-neutered males also mark their territory by spraying urine and exhibit quite naughty behavior. Neutering them solves many early aggression problems, helps level their behavior and brings their focus and attention on to their human families. Neutering can also help prevent unwanted behaviors such as humping.
Neutering or spaying will also benefit the community as it will reduce the number of animals on the streets, particularly strays who are known to destroy property, raid garbage, destroy wildlife and cause accidents.
How old does my pet need to be to be neutered/spayed?
Most animals can be neutered or spayed from around eight weeks of age and it is almost always better to perform the procedure before they reach sexual maturity/come into their first heat. However, we will happily advise you should you have any questions or concerns.