Is Spaying Or Neutering a Good Option For Your Pet?

Spaying and neutering are essentially the same procedure, only the first applies to females and the second to males. They are both aimed at preventing pregnancies or the ability to impregnate. In the case of females the uterus and ovaries are typically removed and in males the testes.

Some of the benefits typically associated with spaying and neutering have to do with behavior and the pet's health. In females it helps decrease the risk of mammary tumors by almost 22% and in both males and females prevents ovarian, uterine and testicular cancer since the organs are removed. These cancers however are not very common even among dogs and cats that are not sterilized.

Another benefit is avoiding unwanted litters that will end up in shelters or the streets sometimes. Many adoptable pets have to be euthanized in shelters just for overpopulation. If you are not considering breeding, then you either need to ensure your pet never escapes or sterilize.

On the cons side, there are also risks associated with spaying and neutering. There is increased risk of prostate cancer in general for males and urinary tract diseases in cats. Females on the other hand tend to suffer from hypothyroidism and gain weight and also can develop urinary incontinence. Also, there is an increased risk (27%-38%) of developing adverse reactions to vaccinations.

Behavior wise, females stop getting heat cycles and become less aggressive, while males stop spraying to mark territory and quit trying to mount females (or people!). Regarding aggression there are different studies and no real consensus though. Some present as high as a 60% decrease while others report an increase or no effect. Some also identified an increase in separation anxiety among aggressive females.

Before making a decision it is good to get a full physical on your pet and consult with your veterinarian. There are also complications that could arise from the surgery and so you need to ensure your decision is what is best for both you and your pet.

Tiffany is a writer with a keen interest in new adventures. She has recently begun to try her hand at web site development. If you found her article to be of interest please check out her website at table lamps [http://www.missionstyletablelamps.org/], which provides buying tips and ideas if you are shopping for a variety of different style table lamps including art-deco table lamps [http://www.missionstyletablelamps.org/Art-Deco-Table-Lamps.html]