The hot debate about pet spaying and neutering exploded in 2013 after a research article from the University of California at Davis was published. The study reported that desexed Golden Retrievers have higher rates of hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tears, and certain cancers. Because of the concern for pet safety, owners started to ask whether it was cruel to spay and neuter animals.

The truth is complicated. Each animal species and breed varies tremendously in its anatomy and physiology hence their body’s response to the procedure may also vary. Some may benefit from improved health, while others may suffer from an increase in health risks. That is why you need to talk you’re your veterinarian about this matter. Even the American Veterinary Medical Association agrees that the decision to spay or neuter should be made on a case-by-case basis.

Is It Cruel?

DVM, desexing your pet is not at all cruel. In fact, there are a large number of health advantages to spaying and neutering. And if you want to spay or neuter your pets, there are different options and procedures. You can talk to your veterinarian to know which one is right for you and your pet.

Why Should You Spay or Neuter Your Pet?

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), approximately 6.5 million animals enter shelters across the country every year. Of that massive figure, about 3.3 million are canines and 3.2 million are felines. Some of these are animals rescued from cruelty, strays found by strangers on the road, and pets surrendered by owners who can no longer care for them.

Sometimes, the strays turn out to be missing pets, and about 710,000 of them are returned to their owners. Now, the sad truth is that only about 3.2 million shelter animals get adopted and find a new home. Due to the overwhelming number of unwanted dogs and cats, shelters have no choice but to perform euthanasia to avoid overcrowding. Approximately 1.5 million animals are euthanized each year, 860,000 of which are cats while 670,00 are dogs.

The pet overpopulation problem in the United States is so huge, millions of pets are put down every year. The good news is that you can make a difference. By being a responsible owner and having your pets spayed or neutered, you can do your part in preventing the birth of unwanted litters. He added, “We have a moral obligation to spay and neuter to curb the loss.”

But aside from helping lower the number of unwanted animals who end up in shelters, this procedure also has several health benefits. When you spay your female cat or dog, you can help them live a longer and healthier life. This procedure helps prevent breast tumors and uterine infections, which are cancerous in about 90 percent of cats and 50 percent of dogs.

Neutering your male cats or dogs also helps eliminate their risk of testicular cancer. Aside from that, this procedure can help improve the behavior of both female and male pets. Your male dog won’t dig his way under the fence to escape home and find a mate. Females won’t go into heat anymore. They will no longer yowl or urinate frequently all over the house to advertise for mates.

Is Spay and Neuter Surgery Risky?

Although both are considered a major surgical procedure, these are some of the most common surgeries performed by veterinarians. There is still some degree of surgical and anesthetic risk, like other surgical procedures. However, the overall incidence of complications is low.

Before the vet performs the surgery, they will give your cat or dog a thorough physical exam. They will make sure that your pet is in good health. They might also order a blood test to see if they have underlying issues.

When Should You Spay or Neuter Your Pet?

The ASPCA reported that cats can be spayed or neutered as early as eight weeks old. They advise scheduling a surgery before the cat reaches five months of age. For dogs, the traditional age to spay or neuter is from six to nine months. However, puppies that are in good health can be sterilized as young as eight weeks old. You can also spay or neuter adult dogs, but there is a slightly higher risk of complications.

Can’t decide whether to get a cat or a dog? Read ”Should I Get a Dog or a Cat?” to learn more.