Risks of Not Spaying/Neutering Your Pet

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Risks of Not Spaying/Neutering Your Pet


The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends neutering and spaying all pets. Doing so enhances the health of the pets and the people around them. Although many people spay and neuter their pets, others find it challenging to do the same. If you haven’t thought about making this significant change as a pet owner, here’s what you need to know about the risks of not neutering or spaying your pet.

 

Aggression

 

Animal specialists say that if you do not neuter your male pets, their testosterone levels will keep rising. When this happens, aggression usually takes over and this can be dangerous. Intact male pets will start fights with other male pets. People can take the brunt of this aggression as well. For serious bites, your dog may end up paying the ultimate price through euthanasia. Male pets will also leave the house to fight other males. They usually suffer from deep puncture wounds and lacerations after. If they don’t come home for days, an infection might set in their wounds before you could bring them to the vet.

 

Territorial Behavior

 

Your intact male cats or dogs are more territorial. Because of this, they are biologically inclined to mark around your property. Male cats will spray on strategic areas and objects in and around your home. Cat urine has oily anal secretions and ammonia so unless there is a special cleaning solution, it is almost impossible to remove and deodorize. Male dogs will urinate in and around your home as well to let other dogs know of their dominant presence.
 

Contrary to popular belief, intact females also spray. Experts say that female cats also want their own safe space and marking it lets other male cats know that they’re in heat.

 

Sexual Assertiveness

 

If your pets are intact, they will always find a way to mate. Your male dog’s sexual energy will rise whenever they smell a female in heat. Male dogs and cats are willing to jump the fence to meet the receptive female. When intact male pets cannot go out of the house to satisfy their urge, they usually become restless, frustrated, and stressed. Once they escape your yard, they will always be vulnerable to getting hit by vehicles.
 

Intact female pets will bleed and experience vaginal swelling when they’re in heat. Female pets also tend to breach barriers to mate. The urge also puts their safety at risk. In addition, intact female dogs are prone to developing pyometra while in heat. Female cats get bites and lacerations from the males during mating. Because your female pet is intact, expect kittens or puppies. Pet pregnancy isn’t always safe for female pets. For some of them, giving birth may become too stressful or even life-threatening.


 

The American Veterinary Medical Association recognizes that the risks of not spaying or neutering your pets are serious. At Highland Veterinary Clinic, we always encourage pet owners to have their pets spayed or neutered. We believe that pets live longer and healthier when their hormones do not take over. Please visit our clinic in Evansville, Indiana, for a one-on-one consultation. You can also call us at 812-710-4300 if you want to set an appointment or ask questions about our spay and neuter packages.