As pet owners, it is very important to be responsible so that your pets can live long and healthy lives. One of the most important things you can do is sterilize them. There may be some misconceptions about the downsides of neutering your pets, but the fact is that neutering your pets can help keep them healthy in many ways. Curious? Read on to find out the health benefits of neutering your kittens and doggies!

1. It reduces the number of unwanted kittens or puppies

For male pet owners, some of them don’t think it’s important to sterilize their pets because their pets won’t be able to get pregnant. But the truth is that it is absolutely crucial to do so, especially if you allow your pet to roam the streets. Spaying your pets can prevent them from impregnating other strays, which will also help reduce the number of abandoned kittens or puppies. This is very important as it will help control the number of pests in any area.

2. Your pet will have less desire to walk the streets

There is a common myth that neutering your pet means they will become lazier. The truth is that they have simply lost the desire to go out and roam the streets. Indeed, after sterilization, their sex hormones will decrease and they will no longer feel the need to go out and look for a mating partner. So most of them will feel content being homebodies and bonding with their humans.

However, as pet owners, you need to make sure they get enough exercise at home to prevent them from becoming obese!

3. It reduces the risk of contracting deadly diseases such as certain cancers

When male pets are neutered, their testicles will be removed. This means that it will completely eliminate the risk of testicular cancer and it will also help prevent prostate infections.

For females, it is recommended that you neuter your female before the first ‘heat’ cycle (which is usually around 6 months for cats and dogs, but this can vary by breed). Indeed, most studies have shown that early sterilization can eliminate the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer, reduce the risk of cervical cancer, and prevent bleeding related to heat cycling. In addition, sterilizing them before the first heat can also help achieve an easier surgery and a smoother recovery.

4. It will probably increase their lifespan and improve their health

Studies have shown that neutering your pets can dramatically increase their lifespan! For dogs, the life expectancy for neutered dogs is around 9.4 years and only 7.9 years for unneutered ones. As for cats, neutered cats should live around 11.8 years while unneutered cats only live 7.5 years!

This can be explained by a few factors:

• Sterilized animals are less likely to contract fatal diseases such as cancer, infections, etc.
• They are more likely to stay indoors, which will prevent them from getting into fights, traffic accidents, etc.
• The cats do not go “in heat” repeatedly, which saves them enormous stress

5. It can solve behavioral problems such as aggression or spraying (for men)

The main reason why many male pets tend to be a bit more aggressive is due to testosterone production in their bodies. Thus, neutering them will help prevent aggressive or dominant behavior. As a result, they will be more gentle and well behaved not only with other animals but also with humans.

Another behavior problem that you can stop by neutering is spraying/marking territories with urine. It is also an act of domination which can be very frustrating and smelly for us humans. Thus, by neutering your male pets, they will no longer feel the need to assert their dominance around the house.

So, are you now convinced that sterilizing your pet is a good idea? Remember that neutering can be an act of kindness to your pets as you protect their health and help them live longer with you. However, it is also important to note that while neutering can solve and prevent certain problems, the overall health of your pet will also depend on many other aspects, including their diet, lifestyle, genetics, breed, etc. So take good care of your fur babies, okay!

And if you’re still hesitant or have any questions, be sure to drop by your local vet clinic for a proper consultation.

Read more: PETcation Time! This pet-friendly resort in Pahang is the perfect getaway for you and your furry kids!