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What is spaying or neutering? -

During surgical sterilization, performed under a general anesthetic, a veterinarian removes certain reproductive organs, colloquially known as "fixing."

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Spaying -

A ovariohysterectomy, or the typical "spay," describes the removal from a female dog or cat of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus.

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Neutering -

Neutering, the male-specific term of which is castration, is the common term used to describe the surgical procedure during which both testicles are removed in order to sterilize a male dog or cat.

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Is spaying or neutering necessary? -

There are indeed medical and behavioral benefits to spaying and neutering.

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Male dogs -

From a medical standpoint, the advantages of neutering a male dog include reducing the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate that comes with age) and prostatitis (prostate infection). It also eliminates the risk of testicular cancer.

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Behavioral benefits -

Neutering a male dog removes sexual urges, which usually inhibit roaming behaviors. The procedure can also reduce certain types of aggression and the likelihood of separation anxiety.

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Female dogs -

Regarding female dogs, spaying prevents uterine infections and decreases the incidence of breast tumors, which are malignant or cancerous in about 50% of dogs.

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Behavioral benefits -

Generally speaking, female canines may also show less aggression towards other dogs and humans after they're spayed.

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Male cats -

Medically speaking, and as with canines, a neutered cat is risk free of testicular cancer. The procedure also decreases incidences of prostate cancer.

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Behavioral benefits -

A neutered cat is less likely to roam, thus reducing the risk of being injured in fights or road traffic accidents. And, of course, he no longer experiences the stress of needing to mark his territory and urinate throughout the house and yard.

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Female cat -

Feline spaying should be performed before the first estrus or "heat cycle."

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Behavioral benefits -

Female cats tend to be quieter after spaying, and won't be prone to cat calls and the incessant need to seek out a mate.

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When to spay a puppy -

A spayed female pet won't go into heat and so therefore won't get pregnant. It's recommended that a female canine puppy be spayed between the ages of four to six months.

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When to spay a kitten -

Similarly, a female kitten can be spayed between five and six months old.

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When to neuter a puppy -

The traditional age for neutering a puppy is six to nine months.

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When to neuter a kitten -

Ideally, you should have your male kitten neutered between six to 12 months old.

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Overall benefits -

A spayed or neutered pet generally lives a longer life than one that hasn't had the procedure, or is "intact."

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Longer life -

In fact, castrated male cats generally live twice as long as intact males, while spayed female cats live 62% longer than intact females.

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Adding the years -

Likewise, on average dogs who are spayed or neutered live one and a half years longer than those who are not.

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Cat and dog -

Besides a demonstrably longer lifespan, spayed and neutered cats and dogs are healthier and happier.

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Healthy and happy -

This is because spaying and neutering alleviates certain undesirable behavioral problems common to intact animals.

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More affectionate -

As with canines, spayed or neutered cats are also easier to get along with⁠—they tend to be more gentle and affectionate, and quick with a purr.

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Pet personality -

But it's important to note that the procedure will not fundamentally change the personality of your pet.

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Cutting costs -

There's an initial cost in spaying or neutering your pet. But the healthier your pet, the more attractive the long-term financial benefits. The less visits to the vet, the more money you save!

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Potential disadvantages -

As with any surgical procedure, immediate complications of spaying or neutering include the potential for anesthetic and surgical mishaps, such as bleeding, infection, and even death. Again, these are rare instances.

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Lower metabolic rate -

Spaying or neutering cats and dogs may increase the risk of obesity in your pet. Sterilized animals tend to demonstrate a lower metabolic rate. Nutritional intake should therefore be reduced.

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Hormonal changes -

Spayed female puppies, for example, are prone to gain weight quickly after the procedure, most likely due to changes in metabolism and hormonal structure. However, by far the best way to control your pet's weight is to provide it with lots of exercise and activities.

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Potential orthopedic woes -

Certain large breed dogs, Great Danes for example, who are spayed or neutered before reaching sexual maturity have an increased risk of orthopedic disease.

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Other negative health outcomes -

While spay/neuter can increase the risk of joint disorders and certain cancers, the possibility of negative health outcomes varies widely between breeds and sexes. Decisions on whether to go ahead with the procedure should always be reached through informed discussion with a veterinarian.

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Reducing the number of stray cats and dogs -

Opting for spay/neuter can have wider benefits for animals in general by reducing the number of stray cats and dogs.

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Helping strays -

By making sure their dogs and cats are spayed/neutered, pet owners can help reduce the staggering number of animals in homeless shelters.

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Part of the family -

The truth is these procedures not only help our furry companions, but the entire animal community as a whole. And that's a happy outcome for all!

See also: How to know if you're ready for a pet

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