Pros and Cons of Early Spaying and Neutering Your Pet

Spaying and Neutering of Your Pet

Neutering and spaying are the most common surgical procedures for canines and felines. These are highly practiced in America, not only for the reason of over population of pets but also for the fact that these practices save animals from many complicated diseases like breast cancer, vaginal infections and more. These are universally recommended practices but the time and age of the pet to go through any of these surgeries is a debatable matter.

As it includes removal of few or all the reproductive organs of the pet, the age at which neutering needs to be done is argued by many animal activists and veterinarians. There are many who do not agree for early neutering of pets. But those who support this practice suggest that it is to prevent pets from becoming pregnant at an early age. An apt example is that of cat that can be pregnant as early as four months of age.

Most of the Veterinarians suggest that the perfect age for spaying or neutering cats and dogs is six months. However, in some cases, female cats may conceive at a very early age and in such cases one cannot afford to wait until she is six months old. In such cases, one is left with no choice but to go for early neutering. Although there are practically no side effects of this procedure, it is always good to consult your Vet first.

Vet suggestions and advice are extremely important as he can give specific advice based on the breed, health condition and nature of your pet. These surgeries are simple but involve a nominal risk as well. Your neutered or spayed pet will need certain weeks to recover. Therefore, it should be your decision whether to let your pet go through these surgeries or not.

Benefits of spaying and neutering:

It saves life: Yes! It helps to reduce pet population of cats and dogs staying in shelter homes. One cannot accommodate more pets in the household, which results in leaving the ‘extras’ in shelter homes. Sadly, this is a routine in many places of the country. When shelters are over flooded, they are left with no alternative but to euthanize the poor animal. So, when you neuter your furry pal, it saves many lives that would have ended in animal shelters.

Decreases aggression: It tames down pet’s aggressive behavior that comes up through sexual drive. Roaming, urine making and dominant behavior gets reduced in desexed pets. They become calmer as they focus more on their human family than looking out for a partner.

Reduces chances of diseases: Complicated diseases like cysts, uterine infection, reproductive tract cancer, prostatic problems, breast cancer and hereditary diseases to the offspring are kept at bay by spaying and neutering. Many pets are at risk of losing their lives after producing babies. So, making them go through desexing procedure saves them from this life threatening trouble.

All these troubles can be kept at a distance by spaying and neutering your pet. However, when these procedures are done before time then it causes various concerns. Some of the problems of early desexing a pet are:

  • Some female pets may develop the problem of involuntary urination or defecation. It is more prominent in breeds that have tendency to gain weight or pets that are overweight.
  • Female dogs belonging to the breeds with tendency for joint problems may face hip dysplasia and CCL ruptures.
  • Some of them may not gain their normal height.

Apart from all this, spaying and neutering are procedures that need to be performed under anesthesia. Weight gain is a common side effect of these surgical procedures. Urinary tract infection may also happen in females with weak immune system. Behavioral changes and mood swings also show up in female cats and dogs. Certain breeds with hereditary tendency towards bladder cancer, Osteosarcoma, tumors and abdominal tissue growth develop a little higher risk of these diseases after they are spayed or neutered.

Thus, it is extremely important to take vet suggestions while deciding on the correct age of neutering a pet. Once the procedure is done, your pet needs at least 10-21 days to heal and recover. These are the times when they need your attention and affection. They will go through various behavioral changes so, just bear with it and be with your pet. A little more love and gentle care will help the pet deal with this situation far more easily. All the best!