Let's kick off this Q&A with Dr. Q. session with a popular and sometimes controversial question. Pet owners often want to know if they really need to have their animals spayed or neutered. Everyone who has an animal as a companion and not only for professional reasons (such as a qualified breeder) should absolutely ensure that their pet is fixed. There are many benefits for the animal, the owner, and the environment.
The most obvious reason to have your pet spayed or neutered is to keep them from breeding. An intact animal will always try to mate, sometimes getting very resourceful in doing so! Depending on the animal, that can mean a large litter of offspring. The animal shelter system is a strong indicator of the overpopulation problem we're experiencing, and every unplanned pregnancy just creates a greater strain. Not to mention the stress on your pet when they're pregnant.
When pets start to reach sexual maturity, which for dogs and cats can begin as early as five or six months of age, they can exhibit new, problematic behaviours. They will attempt to mark their territory with their scent, which if it happens indoors, can be messy and smell awful. They will exhibit more aggression, and try to wander off in search of a mate.
As they get older, animals who haven't been fixed are prone to tumours due to hormonal issues. In males, this can mean testicular, prostate, or anal tumours. In females, it can lead to ovarian, uterine, or anal infections and tumours. Their senior years can be filled with discomfort and illness, and shortened lifespan. Neutered male cats or dogs can experience an increased lifespan of about 18-25%. Neutered female dogs and cats can live 25-30% longer than their intact counterparts.
The notion that spaying or neutering your pet is cruel has no basis in fact. This surgery is actually one that can give your furry friend a better quality of life! If you have an intact animal in your household, I strongly recommend you contact your vet today to consult about a spay or neuter!