The Benefits of Spaying and Neutering: Promoting Population Control in Akron’s Pet Community
The number of homeless pets in the country is simply staggering. Unchecked mating and reproducing can inundate animal welfare systems, and overwhelm shelters already struggling to meet the needs of lost, missing, or stray animals. While there continues to be a lot of growth toward caring for the offspring of in-tact pets, the fact is that prevention is the best approach. The benefits of spaying and neutering companion pets can be seen far and wide, and is on full display in and around Akron.
Let’s Get Technical
Spaying refers to the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus of a female pet. Neutering is the surgical removal of a pet’s testes. The result is complete and final sterilization, or an inability to reproduce. Pre-anesthesia blood work is required to help us support a pet’s vitals throughout either surgery.
Sounds Like…A Lot
Without a doubt, to the uninitiated, the concept of spaying or neutering can be challenging to process. We will help you through all of the medical details, tips for safety afterwards, and strategies for post-op care. To keep things in perspective, consider the impact that spaying and neutering has on every individual pet, and the general pet population.
Do It For Your Pet
Spaying or neutering can be directly linked to a pet’s lifelong health.
- Female pets that have been spayed experience fewer life-threatening infections and tumors of the reproductive system, as well as mammary tumors.
- Spayed pets will not face potential health complications related to pregnancy and birth.
- Neutered male pets have reduced chances of testicular cancer and prostate issues later in life.
Incredibly, spaying and neutering can influence a pet’s behaviors, too. Spayed females do not go into heat, thereby eliminating the known behaviors associated with mating, including roaming, crying/yowling, escape attempts, spraying or marking, and aggression.
Benefits to All Pets
Spaying and neutering decreases the numbers of unwanted litters, abandoned kittens and puppies, ethanasia rates, and feral animals living in rough circumstances without access to basic care. The procedure reduces the amount of potentially homeless animals that may spread diseases to both pets and people. Without constant increases of homeless pets, communities and animal shelters can continue caring for animals in need.
Pet Population Control
Pets adopted through public shelters are typically spayed/neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and up to date with parasite prevention methods. Pets adopted through breeders, friends, or other agencies can be spayed or neutered as early as 8 weeks old, but many owners choose this surgery between 4-5 months of age.
- Recovery can take up to 10 days.
- Lots of rest is crucial (easier said than done with a puppy or kitten).
- An E-collar is necessary until the stitches dissolve or are removed.
- Keep an eye on the incision, and let us know if you see lethargy, weakness, fever, social detachment, or behavioral changes.
Here For Your Pet, Always
Spaying and neutering are essential factors in a long, healthy life and, fortunately, these surgeries are extremely commonplace. The responsibility to spay or neuter is a huge part of preventive wellness, and our team is always here to support pet owners with their questions or concerns. Please call The Gentle Vet at (330) 665-5915.