There’s a reason why animal rescues call this time of the year kitten or puppy season—it’s when the most litters are born and add to the number of animals who require homes. Cats and dogs can be spayed or neutered as early as four months old, with some feral kittens being neutered as young as a few weeks old. If you have not spayed or neutered your pet yet, now is a good time to contact your dog or cat vet in Cannon Falls, MN. Here are five reasons why:
Health: Pets who remain intact are vulnerable to reproductive cancers. Some dog breeds are especially susceptible to uterine cancer, and cats live longer and are more likely to develop breast tumors as they grow older. Also, cats who are not spayed or neutered tend to escape outside and wander off, which leaves them vulnerable to vicious dogs, abusive people and speeding vehicles. Preventing pregnancy is the primary reason for spaying or neutering, but it also helps pets live longer and happier lives.
Less expensive: Pets will eat you out of house and home if you let them. There is nothing inexpensive about pet ownership, and if you leave pets intact, those expenses only go up. The health issues listed above lead to dog or cat vet bills as animals get sick or hurt from wandering. It’s also expensive to take care of a litter and ensure the kittens and puppies receive good homes. Smaller costs can include floor pads or diapers for animals in heat or damage caused by intact male animals as they take out their aggression on other pets or inanimate objects.
Fewer behavior issues: Intact pets frequently develop behavior issues. Both cats and dogs mark territory, which can turn your home into a smelly domain. Male dogs and cats wander to find mates and get into fights along the way. Female cats and dogs howl when they are in heat as they also desperately attempt to attract a mate. If you wish to face less property damage and fewer headaches and worries concerning your pets, spaying and neutering is the best way to go.
Control pet population: The unfortunate reality is that there are more animals than loving homes. Rescues and humane societies are frequently busy looking for both foster and permanent homes for animals who have been abandoned. In the U.S., 6.5 million companion animals are placed in shelters each year, and 1.5 million are euthanized when they cannot find a new home. Rather than encourage this tragedy, you can help by not adding to the pet population.
Less stress: An intact animal adds stress to your household. Many people give up animals to shelters for behaviors that are easily controlled with spaying or neutering. You will worry about your animal more and have to place more restrictions on them if you leave them intact. Once you spay or neuter, your pets stay close to home and focus more on being your companion rather than escaping to produce litters.
Cannon Veterinary Services offers cat and dog vet services in Cannon Falls, MN, including spay and neuter surgery. Call us today to schedule an appointment.