Deciding whether to spay or neuter your pet is a responsible step that not only helps your companion animal but also helps in reducing the pet overpopulation issue in the world. In addition to this, there is an alarming number of pet owners who have outdated beliefs regarding these procedures, which makes them doubtful.
If you’re interested in how technology is also helping modern pet parents make informed decisions, read about the AI revolution in pet care.
Myth: Spaying Or Neutering Will Make My Pet Obese
Fact: One of the most common spaying or neutering myths revolves around weight gain. In fact, weight gain among pets is common due to poor exercise and overfeeding. Provided your dog is fed a healthy diet and gets enough exercise, they should be able to maintain a healthy weight throughout their life.
Myth: The Spay/Neuter Procedure Is Costly and Expensive
Fact: Pets, like cats or dogs, don’t feel anything during surgeries because they are put under anesthesia. In case additional pain is felt after surgery, the veterinarian will schedule follow-up sessions to make sure everything is alright and your pet gets the necessary help for a smooth recovery. In terms of finance, many people believe the costs associated with the operations are much higher than what they actually are because the expenses of taking care of an unplanned litter are far more than just neutering or spaying them. Moreover, numerous communities have specially designed low-cost or even free clinics to provide such services. This also helps protect pets from unwanted cancers, which can add up to a lot of money for veterinary bills in the future.
Myth: There Are No Health Benefits of Spaying/Neutering
Fact: There are considerable health advantages to spaying or neutering your dog or cat. SpayUSA states that for dogs and cats, spaying or neutering could increase their life expectancy by one to three years and three to five years respectively. For females, spaying before the first heat cycle not only halves the chances of developing mammary gland tumors but also eliminates the risk of uterine and ovarian cancers. Males who are neutered are no longer at risk for testicular cancer and are less likely to suffer from prostate disease. Pets that are spayed or neutered also tend to be less likely to roam around which reduces their risk of injury or dangerous encounters.
Myth: My Pet’s Personality Will Change After the Procedure
Fact: Another common concern is that spaying or neutering will change your pet’s personality. Core personality traits remain intact regardless of sex hormones. Although your pet may become less prone to spray, mounting/breed related aggression, or exhibiting aggressive behaviors, your pet will not cease to be the wonderful friend and family member that he or she has always been. In fact, it may help them focus more on you instead of on mating.
Myth: My Male Pet Will Feel Less “Manly”
Fact: There are pet owners who worrie about their male pet losing their “manliness” after being neutered. Pets do not even have a grasp of sexual identity or ego. Neutering will not affect your pet’s sense of self or their overall personality. Pets don’t care about sexual identity, so he will remain the same after the operation.
Myth: Animals Must Be Older to Be Spayed or Neutered
Fact: Many people think that pets must be fully grown before they can be spayed or neutered. It is useful to point out that both cats and dogs mature significantly faster than humans, with the ability to reproduce by six months of age. Spaying or neutering at a younger age is a smart strategy to prevent unwanted litters, ensuring your pet lives longer and healthier.
Myth: The Surgery Is Dangerous
Fact: No pet parent wants to be worried about the safety of the surgery, so this concern is understandable. The good news is that spaying and neutering is one of the most common, and safest procedures done by veterinarians. With advancements in veterinary medicine, these surgeries are conducted with high safety and complications are infrequent.
Spaying and neutering pets fosters population control along with providing various health and behavioral advantages to your pet. We aim to ease your myths or concerns regarding spaying or neutering. For any specific concerns, it is best to consult your veterinarian as they are best placed to provide tailored recommendations and treatment. Always remember, making this decision is one of the best decisions that you can make for your pet’s health and wellbeing throughout his or her life.even in professional fields like therapy and emotional assistance.
Learn more about how dogs contribute to therapy and assistance work and why their well-being is so important.
EXTRA:
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