Spaying and neutering your pets is vital to decrease the number of homeless pets, but the procedures also have many health benefits for the pets themselves. Spaying and neutering can actually increase your pet’s lifespan and decrease their risk of certain diseases and behavior issues. This will save you money, time, and even training in the long run.

Spayed female pets live, on average, 23 – 39% longer than unspayed pets. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in cats and dogs, and spaying ensures your pet cannot develop ovarian cancer. It also decreases their chance of developing mammalian cancer and for developing certain kinds of tumors. Of course, complications arising in litter birth are eliminated as well. In addition to the added health benefits, spayed pets do not go through a heat cycle. This keeps her from attracting unwanted attention from male pets. Spaying also decreases your cat or dog’s desire to stray from your yard in search of a mate.

Neutering male pets has similar benefits. The risk of testicular cancer is eliminated, and your pet’s chance of developing certain tumors and hernias is reduced. Additionally, neutering will decrease the amount of prostate problems your male cat or dog may face as he ages. These issues are very common and occur in up to 80% of unneutered male dogs. Finally, neutering has the added advantage of lessening aggression and curbing your dog or cat’s desire to roam.

Most pets can be spayed and neutered as young as 2 months. However, the procedures can be done for pets of any age, so later is better than never. If you have a pet that needs to be spayed or neutered, please reach out to our S.P.O.T. team at 812-703-0797. S.P.O.T. offers low-cost spay/neuter services to all Brown County residents.