Paws and Claws: Spaying, neutering can make pets healthier

by Cindy Anderson, DVM

We all want to do what’s best for our pets. When you become a new pet parent, you’re faced with many decisions, not the least of which is whether to spay or neuter. The birth of puppies and kittens often takes place during the spring and summer months. During this time, animal shelters become severely overcrowded. Dogs can have an average of two litters per year, producing six to 10 puppies per litter. Cats can have an average of three litters per year with four to six kittens per litter.

Not only will spaying or neutering your pets help with overpopulation, it also will encourage longer, healthier lives. In fact, the decision to spay or neuter your pets could be the single most important decision you make in regard to their physical wellness.

Spay and Neuter Awareness Month is an annual event held every February throughout the world to promote the spaying and neutering of animals. World Spay Day also is the last Tuesday in February. This important awareness campaign encourages pet owners to be responsible for their beloved pets and focus on controlling animal overpopulation.

The concept of celebrating a dedicated month to spread awareness about spaying and neutering was first discussed in early 2000s by a number of veterinary associations around the world. It was spearheaded by famous actor Doris Day’s Animal League and the American Humane Association to raise awareness about pet overpopulation. Finally in 2004, World Spay Day was initiated.

The health benefits of spaying or neutering your pets

• Medical evidence shows that females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier.
• Spaying removes the risk of pregnancy. The health of the mother can be in jeopardy during delivery and some new mothers can develop health problems during nursing.
• Spaying your pet can help prevent uterine infections, uterine cancer and breast cancer.
• Neutering male pets can help prevent testicular cancer and prostate problems.

Spaying and neutering also can help control behavioral problems in pets
Sterilization can result in a calmer, quieter, more affectionate pets and a cleaner home. Some of the behavioral problems that can be addressed by spaying or neutering include:

• Heat. Spaying eliminates the crying, pacing and roaming that is experienced during heat.
• Aggression. Neutering prevents assertive or aggressive behavior, which decreases the number of fights, bites, and injuries.
• Urine marking. Neutering also reduces the likelihood of frequent urine marking. The urge to spray is extremely strong in an intact cat, but neutering solves most marking issues.
• Roaming. Both procedures can prevent the urge to roam, which often results in injuries from traffic accidents or fights with other cats and dogs.

  What if I never spay or neuter my dog or cat?
  If you never spay or neuter your dog, it increases the risk of health problems, behavioral issues and pet overpopulation. Unneutered male dogs are more likely to roam in search of a mate, which can lead to fights with other animals and injuries. Unspayed female dogs will come into heat every six months and may attract unwanted attention from male dogs.
  Unspayed female cats also go into heat more frequently and will often yowl loudly and spray inside the home, which can be a nuisance for pet owners. Additionally, not spaying or neutering your dog or cat contributes to pet overpopulation and may lead to more homeless animals ending up in shelters.

Note that you should always consult a veterinarian before spaying/neutering your pet, as they can provide tailored advice based on breed, size and lifestyle.

If you have any questions about spaying or neutering your pet, please feel free to contact Lakelands Trail Veterinary Clinic, 4525 S. M-52, Stockbridge, MI 49285, or call 517-655-5551.

Cindy Anderson, DVM

Cindy Anderson, DVM,  is a graduate of MSU Veterinary College (1992) and has practiced veterinary medicine for over 28 years.