Spaying and neutering family pets is a source of debate for people all over the country. Spaying applies to female pets, and neutering is done to males. When Bob Barker was the host of the television show “The Price is Right,” he used to end each show reminding people to have their pets spayed or neutered. But is that really the best thing for your dog? There are pros and cons to spaying and neutering that you should be familiar with before you make your final decision.
Helps to Control Pet Population
The reality is that not every family wants a dog and the families that do have dogs can only handle a certain number. When dogs are not spayed or neutered and they are allowed to roam the neighborhood, one of the things they do is make more dogs. Spaying and neutering controls the pet population and prevents unwanted puppies from being born.
Reduces the Chance of Disease
Spaying and neutering significantly reduces the chances of your dog contracting infections and even some forms of cancer that are associated with the reproductive organs. A good example is neutering your dog eliminates the possibility of testicular cancer, which is a very real concern for male dog owners.
Reduces Anxiety
Dogs that are not spayed or neutered are primarily concerned with procreation. The female dog goes into heat once a month, and that creates a tremendous amount of anxiety and stress on the animal. Spaying or neutering your pet can help your pet to live a less stressful and more carefree life.
No More Breeding
It can sometimes happen that a dog owner gets their pet spayed or neutered and then decides they would like to have another dog similar to the one they own. The only way to do that is to breed your dog, and you cannot do that if the dog has been spayed or neutered.
Potential Hormonal Issues
If your female dog was spayed before her first heat, then she could develop hypothyroidism. There is a short list of hormonal issues that could arise for your dog if they are spayed or neutered. Some of these problems have to do with the timing of getting fixed, while other issues can simply happen to certain breeds of dogs without warning. These hormonal imbalances are not common, but they could happen.
Fido is Going to get Huge
The less stressful lifestyle brought on by being spayed or neutered also means a less active dog. When your dog is less active, it gains weight. A chubby Fido can develop a series of health issues that you will need to keep an eye on. Regular trips to the vet can help you to monitor your dog’s health and allow your furry friend to enjoy a healthy life.
There are pros and cons to having your pet spayed or neutered, and you will have to consider everything before you make your decision. If you do not intend to breed your dog or get your dog involved in sports such as hunting and racing, then you may want to hold off on spaying or neutering. But for a family dog, getting fixed could be an ideal option.
