There are plenty of circumstances under which a dog or cat may not already be spayed or neutered when they are adopted, leaving some pet owners with the question of whether to have this done for their pet themselves. While many are aware of the population control benefits of spaying and neutering, fewer realize the significant health advantages that come with these procedures. 

Spaying (removing the ovaries and uterus of female animals) and neutering (removing the testicles of male animals) contribute to pets’ overall well-being and longevity. Here’s why you should ensure that your pets are spayed or neutered.

Increased Lifespan and Reduced Risk of Diseases

One of the most compelling reasons to spay or neuter a pet is the potential for a longer and healthier life. Among the biggest health benefits to spaying and neutering your four-legged family member is that altered pets tend to live longer than their unaltered counterparts. This is largely due to the decreased risk of life-threatening diseases, infections, and cancers that commonly affect reproductive organs.

• Lower risk of cancer. Spaying a female pet significantly reduces the chances of developing mammary (breast) cancer, which is fatal for about half of all dogs and the vast majority of cats. Spaying before the first heat cycle occurs provides the greatest protective effect against this disease.
• Prevention of uterine infections. Pyometra, a severe and potentially deadly uterine infection, is common in unspayed female pets. Spaying eliminates the risk of this painful and life-threatening condition.
• Reduced risk of testicular and prostate issues. Neutering male pets prevents testicular cancer entirely and decreases the risk of prostate disease, both of which can lead to serious health complications if left untreated.

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Behavioral Improvements and Reduced Aggression

Spaying and neutering also have behavioral benefits that can improve a pet’s quality of life and their relationship with their human family. Since they are not driven by mating instincts, they are more likely to form strong bonds with their human family. They also tend to be better behaved and less aggressive, making them easier to train and socialize. This is particularly important for dogs undergoing obedience training or socialization programs.

• Reduction in roaming and wandering. Unneutered males and unspayed females often have a strong drive to roam in search of a mate, which increases the risk of accidents, fights, and getting lost.
• Less aggressive behavior. Neutering males can reduce aggressive tendencies, particularly in dogs and cats. It decreases testosterone levels, which are linked to dominance-related aggression.

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Elimination of Heat Cycles and Associated Issues

Female pets experience heat cycles, which can be physically and behaviorally stressful. This is especially problematic in cats, as unspayed cats are typically in heat every two to three weeks during mating season (winter through fall). Spaying eliminates these cycles, preventing the negative side effects that come with them.

• No more heat-related behavioral changes. Female pets in heat may become restless, vocal, and prone to escaping the home in search of a mate. 
• Fewer marking, spraying, and sanitary issues. Unneutered male cats and dogs are more likely to mark territory by spraying urine. Neutering can significantly reduce or eliminate this behavior. In addition, female cats and dogs in heat often have discharge, which can be inconvenient for pet owners to manage.
• Reduced attraction of unwanted attention. Heat cycles can attract male animals, leading to an increased risk of fights and unplanned litters. 
• No unplanned litters. Unspayed cats who become pregnant leave humane pet owners with the additional responsibility of finding homes for their kittens. Because cats can become pregnant again in as little as two weeks after giving birth, dealing with unplanned litters can be quite unsustainable. If the kittens cannot be adequately cared for or properly rehomed, they can end up living shorter, less healthy, and considerably less happy lives. They can also grow up to produce even more unplanned litters.

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Weight and Metabolism Considerations

One common concern among pet owners is that spaying and neutering may lead to weight gain. While metabolism can slightly slow after the procedure, obesity is not a direct result of spaying or neutering. Proper diet and regular exercise are essential to maintaining a healthy weight. In fact, altered pets often have a more stable metabolism and fewer hormone-related fluctuations that can contribute to erratic eating behaviors.

Financial Benefits: Lower Overall Veterinary Costs

While there is an initial cost for spaying or neutering, the procedure can save pet owners significant money in the long run. Treating diseases such as pyometra, testicular cancer, or prostate issues can be expensive. Dealing with behavioral problems, injuries from fights, or unplanned litters comes with added financial burdens. Many organizations and local animal shelters offer low-cost spay and neuter programs to make the procedure affordable for all pet owners.

Spaying and neutering pets not only prevents overpopulation but also provides substantial health and behavioral benefits. By making this decision, pet owners ensure that their beloved animals live healthier and happier lives while also promoting a more compassionate and responsible pet community.

Save Pets and Help Pet Owners by Supporting the FACE Foundation 

Established in 2006 by a group of veterinarians and concerned community members, FACE is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) public charity that provides financial grants for animal owners who are unable to afford the cost of their pet’s emergency or critical care.

FACE’s Community Outreach Program focuses on connecting underserved pet owners with resources to veterinary care, including spay and neuter services, and pet supply resources. Since 2016, FACE has partnered with 14 different organizations to serve over 13,500 pet owners in San Diego County, many of whom are experiencing homelessness.

You can help support our Community Outreach Program by donating items from our Amazon Wish List; by donating your new, unused collars, leashes, blankets, unopened pet food, and other supplies; or by making a monetary donation specifically for this program here. If you’d like to get involved with this program, please email grants@face4pets.org.FACE’s work is as important for the animals we save and the mental health of the veterinarians who treat them as it is for the families spared the heartbreak of losing their best friend. Your tax-deductible donation funds life-saving veterinary care for beloved family pets. Give today!