Do you know the difference between spaying and neutering? Do you know why so many cats and dogs these days have the procedure done? It’s something that’s become commonplace, but many pet parents don’t know a whole lot about it. And that’s exactly why this post is focused on answering the questions: why neuter a dog or spay a cat (and vice versa). Keep reading to learn all about how it can help your pet, the community, and more.
What’s The Difference: Spayed Vs Neutered?
Female dogs get spayed. Male dogs get neutered. The procedure differs slightly but involves removing reproductive organs. They’re generally minor surgeries that don’t require a lengthy recovery time. You can often find affordable spay/neuter clinics, especially if you live in a large city. But, most dogs and cats that you adopt aren’t allowed home with their new forever family until they’ve been spayed or neutered, so chances are your pet has gone under the knife and had the procedure done if you brought him or her home from a shelter or animal rescue.
Why Have Your Cat Spayed? Why Neuter A Dog?
While it’s a no-brainer for some pet parents,s others don’t understand why it’s a good idea to have their pet spayed or neutered. You’ve likely heard that’s it’s important for shelters and rescue organizations to suggest getting a dog or cat spayed or neutered. And that’s because it helps cut down on the population of homeless pets, which is better for everyone. It eliminated the need for kill-shelters and helps prevent strays from getting injured while roaming the roads.
But, population control and preventing unwanted puppies are not the only reasons it can be beneficial to spay or neuter your pets. Here are some of the other reasons to consider spaying or neutering your dogs and cats:
Spaying And Neutering Can Help Prevent Certain Health Issues From Developing
You love your pet and want him to live a long, full, happy life. Spaying or neutering your dog can help him do just that. Pets who have been altered are shown to live longer lives than pets who didn’t get spayed or neutered. While the exact reason for the statistic isn’t known, it’s widely accepted that spaying or neutering your dog or cat can help prevent some serious health issues from developing that could shorten your pet’s lifespan. Some of these health issues include:
- It may help keep reproductive organs safe: Spaying or neutering your pet eliminates the chance that they’ll get an illness in their reproductive organs.
- It could help prevent bone decline as your dog ages: Support your dog or cat and their skeletal health by getting them altered. It’s been shown to help prevent certain age-related bone issues from developing over time.
- It promotes urinary tract health: This is especially true in female dogs and can be beneficial to promote overall urinary wellness.
Spaying Or Neutering Your Dog Or Cat Can Help With Behavioral Issues
An unaltered dog is more likely to have the urge to lift his leg and mark objects with his urine. While it’s not exactly a harmful behavior trait, it can be seriously frustrating as a pet parent to constantly worry about your dog urinating on just about anything he fancies. Spaying or neutering your dog can also help if your male dog has been showing signs of aggression. Pets that have been altered have, in general, a calmer demeanor. Here are some of the other behavioral traits that may improve after your dog or cat gets spayed or neutered:
- Reduce the urge to roam: Dogs and cats naturally have the urge to roam and be free. Altering your pet can help reduce that desire so that your pet is less likely to try and escape!
- Stop mounting: If your pet seems to be getting frisky with his toys, your legs, or other dogs, having him altered may help him stop feeling the need to mount.
- Help with aggression: As mentioned, spaying your dog or neutering your cat can help them keep their cool and stop acting aggressively. But, it’s especially helpful when it comes to male-to-male interactions and can help your dog or cat avoid getting into fights.
When To Spay Or Neuter Your Dog Or Cat
It’s important to discuss timing with your Vet. Pets should not be altered too early in life because they need certain growth hormones that are present in the reproductive organs for healthy development. But, if you wait too long, your pet may not experience some of the behavioral benefits that go along with getting our pet spayed or neutered. It’s best to find time after adolescence and before 2 years of age to have your dog or cat altered.
How To Support Your Pet After Surgery
If you’ve just brought your four-legged friend home from the Vet’s office after being spayed or neutered, there are some care tips to keep in mind. Sure, your Vet will let you know what to watch out for and all the details about keeping Fido or Fifi comfortable. But, there are some other things you can do to help your dog or cat recover after surgery.
- Give your pet a safe space to recover: Your cat or dog likely wants some alone time after returning home, so create a safe, quiet space for them to hang out and recover.
- Try to keep your dog or cat calm: Sure, this can be tricky, especially if your dog or cat is relatively young. But, do your best to keep your animal from running around too much.
- Check things out: You should take a peek to make sure everything looks normal and the incision isn’t inflamed or infected. Check on your pet and his or her incision frequently while they’re recovering.
- Add immune system support to your dog or cat’s diet: Do so with a supplement that’s rich in antioxidants that promote recovery and support your dog or cat’s immune system.
- Grab some bladder support: Consider adding a supplement that’s formulated with your pet and urinary wellness in mind. It can add an extra hand when your pet is recovering in that sensitive area.
Pet Honesty Products To Help Your Pet Feel Better
To add a cranberry-based supplement to your dog’s diet after they’ve been spayed or neutered for extra urinary support, try Pet Honesty CranBladder UTI Strength Chews. It’s made with Marshmallow Root, Echinacea, and a host of other bladder-supportive nutrients to help your pet fell better. And, if you want to boost your dog or cat’s immune system with antioxidant power to help them get back on their feet in no time, try Pet Honesty Digestive Probiotics+ Powder For Cats or Pet Honesty Advanced Allergy SkinHealth Chews for dogs. They’re both formulated with a potent blend of immune system-supportive compounds and are formulated with recovery in mind.
Sources:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/is-spaying-neutering-always-the-best-choice/
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/spaying-and-neutering-your-dog-faqs/
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/spayneuter-your-pet
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/why-you-should-spayneuter-your-pet
https://www.brown.edu/Research/Colwill_Lab/CBP/spaynueter.htm
