Choosing to sterilize a pet can often seem inhumane to some; however, the decision to spay or neuter your pet may be one of the most important decisions you make as a pet owner. Not only can this provide long-term health benefits for both cats and dogs, but it may also limit the amount of money that is required to care for them. As a full-service veterinary hospital, Advanced Care is committed to educating pet owners about the vast benefits associated with these procedures. To help put it into perspective, we will look at four great reasons to consider scheduling your appointment for a spay or neuter today.
Cost Efficiency
The cost of caring for a litter of cats or dogs is substantially lower than the costs associated with a spay or neuter procedure. Most estimates show that the cost of care for a single dog without emergency veterinary care or variable costs like grooming is around $400 annually – and the cost of caring for a puppy could be substantially more than that. The savings afforded by spay or neuter are overwhelming clear, particularly with the number of low-cost options and assistance programs that are now available to both cat and dog owners.
Behavior Modifications
Both cats and dogs that are still “intact” are more likely to spray or mark their territory. In addition to this, females will not be in heat, roaming or searching for a partner. With both types of animals, the longer the pet owner waits to have a spay or neuter performed, the greater amount of risk created. Even worse, not having the surgery before these behaviors become ingrained can mean that even with surgery, the habits may still be present without further training.
Health Benefits
Extensive research into the benefits of a spay or neuter for a pet demonstrates that with the procedure completed, the average lifespan of the pet increases as well. The decreased lifespan of unaltered pets can often be attributed to their increased urge to venture out of the house in search of a mate. This can often lead to homelessness for the pet or result in fights that cause lasting injuries or infections. Roaming may also increase the risk of trauma being sustained from automobiles or other objects.
Limit Pet Overpopulation
No one likes to think of an animal spending the night alone, outdoors and in the cold. Unfortunately, this is a daily problem due to overpopulation and the unavailability of spay and neuter options for pet owners. Worse, a single unwanted litter of pets could easily reproduce within 4 to 12 months – further compounding the problem. For this reason, the best approach is to ensure that your pet is unable to reproduce if they happen to stay away from home unintentionally or run away.
Ready to Get Started?
If you are ready to get your pet spayed or neutered, the team at Advanced Care Veterinary Hospital is here to make the process easy. We have refined the process of completing these procedures safely and effectively while minimizing the amount of pain or recovery that your beloved pet will experience. We look forward to helping you ensure your pet remains happy and healthy. Contact us to get started or schedule your appointment today.