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Curb to Preserve: Why spay or neuter your pet?

Curb to Preserve: Why spay or neuter your pet?

Spaying refers to the removal of the reproductive organs (ovaries and uterus) of a female animal. Whereas neutering is the removal of the testicles of a male animal.

These surgical procedures are to prevent pets from reproducing once they’re no longer needed to be bred.

However, there are negative connotations — financial issues and mindset — that taint these initiatives.

Some people feel pity for the animals as they are not aware of the positive effects of these medical procedures.

These are according to Dr. Atom Dolores, a licensed veterinarian who’s currently working at the Office of the City Veterinarian in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

Are you one of the owners who hesitate to get their pets spayed or neutered? Then, here are some of its benefits that you could learn from!

Minimizes the sexual drive

Photo courtesy: Unsplash | Himanshu Choudhary

Dr. Dolores says that spaying or neutering animals, particularly dogs and cats, minimizes their sexual drive—decreases their urge to get out of the house and roam.

He explains that it subsequently eliminates chances of accidental copulation, and more importantly, the transmission of infectious diseases that are commonly transferred through direct contact.

Increases lifespan

Photo courtesy: Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)

A study found that sterilized male and female dogs had longer life expectancies, based on the record of 80,958 dogs.

With an average age of death of 7.9 years for intact dogs and 9.4 years for sterilized dogs.

On the other hand, a 2013 report shows that spayed cats live longer compared to spayed ones with 39% and that of neutered ones were 62% longer.

These findings are the result among 460,00 cats.

Prevents unnecessary behaviors

Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

Intact dogs and cats are prone to spraying and urine-marking compared to sterilized ones. They are their ways of marking their territory through “leaving a scent mark.”

Having your pet dog and cat spayed or neutered, along with proper training, will keep you from cleaning this mess.

Saves money

Rates for spay and neuter ranges from Php 1,000 – Php 5,000 depending on its kind of species, weight, condition, etc.

This seems to be pretty expensive. But before you get discouraged, there are animal welfare organizations that conduct free spay and neuter drives that you can go to.

Also, it actually saves you money.

Spaying or neutering your pet would reduce its potential risks of developing diseases, which decreases your trips to veterinary clinics!

Lessens health risks

Dr. Dolores shares that spaying and neutering decrease the risk of getting reproductive problems and viral diseases, particularly on stray animals.

Photo courtesy: Canva

As supported by the same study above, these procedures shrink the chances of developing diseases such as testicular cancer for males, while breast cancer and pyometra for females.

Curbs overpopulation of stray animals

Photo courtesy: National Animal Interest Alliance

Theoretically speaking, one fertile female dog is capable of producing over 70 puppies, while one female cat can have 50 – 150 kittens in their lifetimes. So, imagine how many offsprings could stray animals produce.

But through spaying and neutering, the number of unwanted animals that are eventually being impounded and euthanized will be reduced. This could also be a solution to control issues such as loitering and incidences of bite and rabies.

With all of the reasons mentioned above, spaying or neutering does not only benefit your pets but your community as well!

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