Spaying and Neutering Pets: The Whats and Whys!
By Sarah Trimble, DVM
Adopting a new furry friend is no easy decision. As their dedicated caretakers, we find ourselves taking on lots of responsibilities to ensure their overall happiness and wellbeing. Since they cannot speak for themselves, we are their advocates in all regards - including their medical care. When it comes to dogs and cats, spay/neuter is often discussed within their first year of life. Although this is an easy decision for some pet owners, the idea of surgery can be very overwhelming for others.
"Neuter" typically refers to the removal of the testicles in a male animal, while "spay" refers to the removal of the ovaries (and usually the uterus) in female pets. While these procedures can sound unpleasant, they are often quite simple and beneficial.
Spaying a female pet not only prevents life-threatening uterine infections called pyometras, but also significantly reduces the chance for mammary cancers, which can be very aggressive. Neutering male pets can reduce the risk for testicular cancer, as well as certain conditions of the prostate. Spaying/neutering, or having your pet "fixed," can also decrease certain negative behavioral traits, such as roaming, territorial aggression, and "marking" with urine. On a broader scale, these reproductive surgeries help prevent unplanned pregnancies, which contribute to the overpopulation of stray animals currently overwhelming our shelters. Although these procedures can be done at any time, it is important to talk with your veterinarian early on to decide the right time frame for your pet.