Why It’s Important To Neuter Or Spay Your Pet

As unique as each person is, so too are their pets. Many factors affect Fido and Fluffy’s care, including age, size, breed, and health. While our opinions on the best ways to exercise and feed dogs may differ, spaying and neutering is something we strongly suggest for every dog and cat. This article features the thoughts of a Grundy, IL veterinarian who explains why.

Combating Pet Overpopulation: How to Fix Your Pet

Reducing the number of unwanted litters is the most important reason to get dogs fixed. Unfortunately, animal hoarding, neglect, and abuse sometimes include an overabundance of pets, which is a major problem in and of itself. Millions of cats and dogs are put down each year. The fate of millions more is in our hands.

Animals living on the streets face numerous challenges, including but not limited to: disease, injury, parasites, extreme temperatures, and lack of shelter.

Babies, especially puppies and kittens, are undeniably precious. However, there is no way to guarantee that your pet’s descendants, including the litters of their descendants, will thrive, even if you manage to find homes for your pet’s litter. There are already too many abandoned animals in the world; taking this step is the responsible thing to do.

You would be wrong to think that your pet would have no impact. In only nine years, a pair of cats may produce 2,072,514 offspring! Fido follows closely behind: in just six years, a litter of two puppies can produce as many as 67,000 offspring, with an average of six to ten puppies every litter.

The Health of Fixed Pets Is Enhanced

Spaying and neutering also has medical benefits. Not only will the treatment greatly decrease the likelihood of your pet acquiring prostate, breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer, but it will also practically remove the risk of genital cancers. A lower incidence of urinary tract infections is another benefit of spaying or neutering your pet. Preventing these problems is far easier and less expensive than fixing them after the fact. For more particular information, consult your Grundy, IL veterinarian.

Fixing Pets Reduces Roaming

Leaving your pet unattended increases the likelihood that it may become lost, hurt, or even killed. There are an endless number of dangers that can harm cats and dogs, such as vehicles, extreme weather, wildlife, chemicals, parasites, illness, and so on.

After getting your pet fixed, they won’t feel the need to seek out romantic partners. No more dealing with Fido attempting to escape from under the fence or your cat frantically trying to bolt every time you open the door. There are a lot of reasons why pets strive to get away, but the need to mate is definitely a major one.

Fixed Pets Live Longer

I bet you didn’t know that fixed pets typically have longer lifespans. When you give it some thought, it all makes sense. There are no longer any dangers associated with pregnancy and delivery for your pet. Dogs are especially vulnerable to these dangers; for example, if a large dog mates with a little dog, the mother and her young could lose their lives due to size incompatibility.

Not only are fixed pets safer, but they are also less prone to injuries caused by wandering. It is not out of the question for an unaltered male cat or dog to engage in conflicts with other unattended males on the street.

Getting Fixed Calms Pets

Getting your pet fixed will also make them feel better emotionally and mentally, which is a huge plus. Lessening the hormonal cravings might have an unexpected impact. A decrease in destructive habits including digging, chewing, and attempting to get away could be noticed. Furthermore, most fixed pets are generally more relaxed. You shouldn’t be surprised if Fluffy and Fido start cuddling more as well. Their attention will be entirely on you after they lose their desire to locate a partner. The focus of their universe revolves around you, after all.

Fixed Pets Spray Less

That alone might be enough to justify scheduling the operation. As a territorial marking tactic, pets frequently spray. After surgery, the desire to do this usually goes away entirely. Although some mature animals may continue to spray following surgery, the majority of pets will no longer exhibit this habit.

Fixing Cats Reduces Yowling

This may be a bonus, but we can’t overstate its significance. Our hearts go out to you if you’ve ever overheard a feline roaring its love song. In a style that has nothing to do with music, Fluffy enjoys making her solitary status known loud and clear. Some cats might actually enjoy the noises, but the most of us are glad they didn’t make us listen to their meows and screams.

Surgery FAQs: Spay and Neuter

When Will My Pet Feel Better After Their Spay or Neuter?

In most cases, pets will be fully recovered within 3 to 5 days. The whole healing process, though, takes 10 to 14 days to heal. Keep your pet from getting too much exercise when they’re down. Wait for your vet’s OK before urging them to run, leap, or play aggressively.

After an Operation, What Is the Best Way to Care for My Pet?

You can get aftercare advice from your local animal clinic. Typically, these take the form of a booklet or one-sheet printout. Make sure you read and follow the directions thoroughly. Medications for pain and dietary changes may be necessary for your pet’s recovery.

Aside from that, all your animal pet really needs is a clean, cozy spot to kick back and relax. A new bed would be a wonderful purchase right now! Restricting their mobility might be necessary as well. For this, you can utilize a kennel, carrier, crate, or even a puppy play pen.

How Can I Speed Up My Pet’s Recovery Time Following a Spay or Neuter?

The most important thing is to simply observe your pet and let them rest. You should watch out that they don’t rip out their stitches. An inflatable collar or an Elizabethan collar (also called a lampshade or cone of shame), may be suggested by your veterinarian.

Keep a close eye on the incision site. Keep an eye out for redness, swelling, unpleasant smells, heat, bleeding, pus, or any other symptoms that could indicate problems. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, trembling, and difficulty breathing are additional red flags. Fatigue is a warning sign, however a little drowsiness and exhaustion could be normal for your pet. Even if they’re still a bit drowsy when you bring them home, they shouldn’t be totally out of it after that first day. If you see anything out of the ordinary, don’t hesitate to call your clinic.

How Much Is the Cost of a Spay or Neuter Procedure?

Where you go will determine the price. Age, size, and health are additional factors that can affect the rates. Nevertheless, this approach is always more cost-effective than dealing with preventable health problems or the expenses of rearing a litter. Consider researching low-cost spay/neuter clinics or vouchers as other options. 

Do you need to get your pet spayed or neutered? For all of your animal care needs, call Safford Veterinary Services in Grundy, IL for local recommendations!