The Importance Of Spaying And Neutering Your Dog

Article Title: The Importance Of Spaying And Neutering Your Dog
Author: Joann Henry

If you knew that you could possibly extend your pets life span,
you would do anything you could to make that happen, right? The
good news is that pet owners can give their pets a chance at a
longer, healthier life if they simply spay or neuter them. There
are several other benefits as well, both for the pet and you,
the pet owner.

Did you know that pet overpopulation in the United States
results in nearly 4 to 6 million pets being euthanized each
year? This is probably the best reason to have your pet spayed
or neutered, but let's look at the other reasons too. Spaying
and neutering your dog prior to six months of age may prevent or
reduce the risk of a number of health issues that could occur
later in their life.

These health problems could either be very difficult or very
expensive to treat, not to mention the stress your pet(and you)
will face. For female dogs, spaying greatly reduces the
possibility of contracting breast cancer, uterine cancer, or
ovarian cancer. For male dogs, neutering eliminates the risk of
testicular cancer and reduces the possibility of contracting
prostate cancer.

As the dogs owner, you will appreciate that your pet will be
more affectionate and obedient after they are spayed or
neutered. For female dogs, spaying removes her heat cycle, which
will eliminate the incessant crying and nervous behavior female
dogs will sometimes exhibit while they are in heat. She will not
be so likely to attract unwanted male dogs anymore either. If a
female is spayed at the right age, she will be less likely to
end up getting pregnant. With an unplanned pregnancy, you will
have several puppies for which you will have to pay medical
expenses. They will also each need a good home and that will be
up to the pet owner once again.

A male dog that is not neutered will do nearly anything to get
to a female who is in heat. They will dig up the yard or break
through fences and rip leashes, causing property damage and
possibly injuring themselves(or you)in the process. After
neutering him though, he will be less likely to roam or run away
from home, mark his territory or all of your possessions with
urine, get into fights with other animals, or to bite someone.

Not only do pets and pet owners benefit from the spaying and
neutering procedures, but the community as well. Many times,
cities and towns will spend up to millions to control animals
that are wandering or unwanted. Animal shelters are completely
overwhelmed with the number of pets who are found or dropped off
daily. Homeless or stray pets can get into trash containers and
make a mess or do their business on private lawns or in public
areas. When stray dogs breed, sometimes it can contribute to the
problem of dog bites and attacks. Some pets who wander the
neighborhood will kill or frighten birds and other wildlife.

About The Author: Joann Henry operates "Doggie Health Care"
http://www.DoggieHealthCare.com, a blog all about our pooches
health. Sign up to receive her newsletter, & not only will you
get some free tips to keep your dog healthier, but FOR A LIMITED
TIME, she'll give you a FREE ebook.
http://www.DoggieHealthCare.com

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