According to the CBC, there are about 18,000 dogs and cats euthanized in shelters every year in Canada because they cannot find homes. A significant benefit of spaying and neutering operations is that they reduce the number of homeless pets. If you live in or around Mission or Maple Ridge and are considering spaying or neutering your cat or dog, contact our veterinarians at Stave Lake Veterinary Hospital.
Spaying and Neutering Helps Your Pet Live Longer
Many studies show that dogs and cats live longer when they are spayed or neutered. A 2013 study of over 460,000 cats showed that female cats live up to 39% longer, while males live up to 62% longer. Another 2013 study by the University of Georgia showed that, on average, spayed or neutered dogs lived one and a half years longer than unfixed dogs.
Better Behaved Pets
One reason why neutered pets live longer than those that have not been neutered is that neutering changes the pet’s behavior. Neutered pets are less likely to run away looking for mates, making them less likely to get hit by vehicles. Male cats and dogs are less likely to get injured or killed in fights for females. Neutering makes males less aggressive. These procedures make both sexes more even-tempered, and more likely to pay attention to you.
Healthier Pets
Spaying helps reduce the chance of female cats and dogs developing mammary tumors and uterine infections. Spaying and neutering reduce the chances of your pet getting cancer in the reproductive organs.
It Is Not Just for Dogs and Cats
Other pets can get spayed or neutered by a veterinarian. These pets include rabbits, guinea pigs, and ferrets. These are social animals that do best in the company of their own kind. Spaying or neutering helps them keep their friends without the risk of unwanted babies. Also, female ferrets must be spayed to avoid a deadly condition called aplastic anemia that develops when they go into season and do not mate.
Contact Stave Lake Veterinary Hospital for Spaying and Neutering
If you have questions about the importance of spaying or neutering your pet, contact our veterinarians at Stave Lake Veterinary Hospital. We provide a variety of veterinary services for pets in and around Mission or Maple Ridge, B.C. Call our team today at (604) 286-0160 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.