Spaying or Neutering Pets Makes Them Healthier and Happier!

There are many known medical benefits of spaying and neutering pets, such as decreased risk of cancer, infection, or urinary incontinence. There are loads of behavioral advantages, too, like reduced roaming or aggression. Plus, who could argue with the positive impact spaying or neutering has on the overpopulation of homeless pets? 

While all of the above are important aspects of this straightforward surgical procedure, spaying or neutering pets can actually affect their overall happiness, too.

Health Equals Happiness

As long as an individual has their health, the search for happiness can continue. When it comes to saying or neutering your pet, they can have their cake and eat it, too (just be sure it’s Xylitol-free!). Indeed, without their reproductive organs, pets are less likely to develop serious health problems. This can add an average of 2-3 years to their lives, and create opportunities for more snuggles, walks in the park, and other life-affirming activities. 

Becoming Themselves

Hormones can drive pets to do certain things that inevitably get them in trouble, like procreating with unfamiliar animals, escaping the backyard, getting into fights with predators or their competition, or suffering severe injuries. 

Spaying or neutering can make a positive difference to a pet’s personality and may specifically affect what drives them. Without a mating drive, pets don’t feel the urge to get outside, roam the streets, and leave you to face the consequences.

Not only are neutered males less likely to seek mates, but without their ovaries, female pets cannot get pregnant. This inexorably reduces unwanted litters, and alters the statistics of homeless pets.

Less Cancer, More Happy

Pet cancer is terrible. While spaying or neutering doesn’t eliminate all the possible types of pet cancers, it can reduce the incidence of testicular cancer, and mammary or breast cancer. What’s more, spaying or neutering can prevent pyometra (uterine infection) and prostate disease. This means that the outcome of this preventive tactic can largely increase their long-term health, which creates more time for happy memories with you.

Stop the Train Before It Leaves

There is a common misconception that pets should have at least one litter before being spayed. If a female pet is never given the chance to develop sexually, however, she may be better off. Preventing an animal from going into heat will eliminate certain behaviors, like pacing, crying or whining, that are bound to make pets pretty unhappy (not to mention your household!).

Additionally, multi-pet homes can reach peaceful cohabitation much easier if all the animals are spayed or neutered. Pets that are “intact” may be more difficult to get along or engage with, as they display aggressive or dominant behaviors. 

Spaying or Neutering for the Win

A pet that has been surgically sterilized is much more easy going and in tune with the others around them. So, when it’s all added up, pets are simply happier when they are spayed or neutered.

As always, if you have any questions about the procedure or animal behavior, give us a call at (210) 681-1391. Our vets and staff members are always here for you at Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital.