Top 10 Reasons to Spay & Neuter Pets in Massachusetts
Some communities, cities, and counties make pet owners spay and neuter pets as a requirement of pet ownership. This is usually due to an over-abundance of stray cats and dogs or overcrowding at the local shelter. Studies show that nearly 3 million pets are euthanized each year across the nation, and the problem continues to grow. The top priority of spaying and neutering a cat or a dog is to prevent unwanted kittens and puppies, but there are lots of other great reasons to do it as well. If you have questions about whether or not to spay and neuter pets in Massachusetts, make sure to contact a reputable Southeastern Massachusetts veterinarian, such as the team at Anchor Animal Hospital in Dartmouth.
Reason #1 – No More “Heat” Cycles
When a female dog or cat is fertile and ready to reproduce, they go into what is known as a “heat” cycle. This cycle can attract male cats and dogs from all over the neighborhood who want to mate with your female pet. To keep this from happening, spaying your female dog or cat is the best and only guaranteed method. Some pet owners may try to keep their pet “locked up” during this cycle, but accidents most always happen. The female pet may also feel the need to “roam” as an instinct to mate during this time.
Reason #2 – Cancer Prevention for Females
Veterinary studies prove that having a female cat or dog spayed before their first heat cycle can virtually eliminate certain diseases and illnesses, including uterine infections and some cancers. It has been proven to reduce the risk of breast tumors, which are usually 90 percent cancerous in cats and 50 percent cancerous in dogs. Speak with your Southeastern Massachusetts veterinarian directly about scheduling an appointment to spay your female cat or dog before their first heat cycle.
Reason #3 – Anxiety Issues
With regard to males, making the decision to neuter a male before six months of age can reduce anxiety issues in dogs and cats. It will make them less likely to mark or spray your home with urine and be less apt to jump fences or try to break out of your home to search for females who are in a heat cycle. In the spring and summer months, spaying and neutering are often considered important seasonal pet tips to prevent these common issues.
Reason #4 – Cost-Effective Reasons
Choosing to have your female dog or cat spayed will cost much less than having to care for a mother and her babies. A pregnant female requires visits to the local Southeastern Massachusetts veterinarian during the pregnancy and in some cases during the birth. Aftercare appointments are required for puppies and kittens, including initial vaccinations. The cost to adopt out unwanted puppies and kittens can also be significant, depending on where you live and the demand for new pets.
Reason #5 – Cancer Prevention for Males
Getting your male dog neutered will eliminate the risk of getting testicular cancer by 100 percent. It will also significantly reduce the risk of getting prostate cancer and prostate infections, leading to a longer and healthier life.
Reason #6 – Aggression in Dogs
One of the most reported types of anxiety issues in dogs is aggression. Getting your male dog neutered in the first six months will reduce the level of testosterone, reducing aggression levels considerably. This will make your dog less likely to want to fight with other dogs or be aggressive toward humans and other pets.
Reason #7 – Overpopulation
You will be doing your part to reduce the unwanted pet population in your local area if you choose to spay and neuter pets in Massachusetts. Most shelters are already overcrowded and just because you adopt out any kittens or puppies that come as the result of not spaying and neutering your pets, doesn’t mean that they won’t end up in a shelter at some point in their lives. Anything you can do to reduce those numbers will make an impact on the local community.
Reason #8 – Longer Life
Studies show that the life expectancy of a dog or cat that has been spayed or neutered is extended compared to pets that have not had this procedure. In fact, when it comes to dogs, they can live an estimated 1-3 years longer, while cats can live an estimated 3-5 years longer.
Reason #9 – Community Costs
The cost to trap, impound, keep, adopt, and euthanize unwanted animals can cost taxpayers billions of dollars each year. Do your part in reducing the costs associated with animal services in your local area by choosing to spay and neuter pets in Massachusetts.
Reason #10 – Better Pets
Ultimately, one of the best reasons to spay or neuter your cats and dogs is that it will make them better pets. Anxiety issues in dogs and cats, roaming, unwanted litters of puppies and kittens, behavioral problems, disease, and illness can all make owning a pet stressful. Visit your local Southeastern Massachusetts veterinarian about spaying and neutering, along with other seasonal pet tips to keep your cat or dog safe, healthy, and happy.
Contact Anchor Animal Hospital
If you want more information about spaying and neutering your pets, contact your local veterinarian in Dartmouth by calling 508-996-3731. Our team can help you schedule appointments, provide details on our emergency veterinary services, and answer any questions that you might have about when to spay or neuter pets in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.