Neutering Canines And Felines- Pros And Cons

According to a study, 56% of dog litters and 68% of cat litters are unplanned. Another fact is that approximately 2.7 million animals (1.2 million dogs and 1.4 million cats) are euthanized every year in the USA. These statistics are the prime reasons for neutering and spaying pets. Though it is 100% beneficial to get your pet neutered, there is also a negative side to it. Before taking your furry friends in the surgery room it is essential to know both the sides of castration, advantages and disadvantages.

Pros and cons of neutering canines and felines

Let’s check the pros and cons of neutering canines and felines!

Benefits of spaying or neutering pets

  • Animal population is the biggest concern for the USA. The birth rate of animals in our country is directly proportional to the rate of euthanizing pets. If you go for neutering your canine or feline, you are indirectly contributing to the stoppage of this slaughter.
  • 50% of dogs and 50% of cats die of breast cancer. If the female tyke or tabby is spayed by 6 months, the probability of breast cancer decreases in them.
  • If your furry friends are spayed on time, the risk of uterine cancer decreases.
  • If you don’t opt for altering your companions, you may have to face their temper and uneven behavior. Mess with discharge and spray, mating activities, noise, etc. can be controlled by this genital surgery.
  • Gonadectomy (Spay or neuter surgery) performed before the first uterus cycle of the queens and canines may decrease the complications like excessive bleeding while doing the surgery.
  • Not letting your male tykes remain intact will nullify the occurrence of benign prostatic hypertrophy. In simple words, castration will decrease the possibilities of prostatitis.

Cons of spaying or neutering pets

  • The most common complaint of pet owners post the surgery is of obesity. After castration almost 34% of male pets and 38% of female pets are found to be overweight. Felines are more prone to obesity than dogs are after the neutering operation. When you decide to spay or neuter your furry companion, it may be better if you be prepared to help them maintain their shape later.
  • Spayed dogs are at a greater risk of splenic hemangiosarcoma (tumor of the spleen) and cardiac hemangiosarcoma (tumor of the heart).
  • The probability of transitional cell carcinoma, one of the most common bladder cancers also increases after the pet is neutered.
  • Hip dysplasia is more commonly seen in canines that are neutered before 5 months of age. There is also an increased risk of hypothyroidism.

The bottom line is that you may need to take extra precautions with the decision of getting your pets neutered. It is necessary to castrate your furry friends, but it is more essential to know about its after effects before going for it. Discussing these possibilities with your vet and asking for tips to keep your pet in an optimal health may be the best thing to do.