Spaying or neutering your pet will generally result in a healthier animal as well as prevent reproduction. There are a number of benefits to pets, their owners and even other humans. Let's look at some of them — and dispel several myths as well.
* Sexually mature animals that have not undergone the procedures will readily breed with their siblings. Dogs and cats do not consider this taboo.
* Pets that are spayed and neutered have a longer life expectancy than those that are not.
* Spayed and neutered cats will still hunt rodents. Sometimes they are better hunters, as they are less distracted.
* Female dogs do not "need" to go through a heat or have a litter before being spayed. There is no possible benefit to the animal of either being in heat or birthing a litter.
* A dog that is protective of its home and family will continue to be a good guard after being spayed or neutered.
* Neutering does not cause male dogs to become wimpy or lose their muscular frame; nor does it cause their bark to change pitch.
* All dogs can bite. In general, spayed and neutered dogs are less likely to bite.
* Dogs and cats that have not been spayed or neutered roam greater distances than those that have been. Unfortunately, these animals do not learn from the experience of being hit by a car.
* Neutered male cats are less likely to spray and mark their territory. The strong odor of male cat urine decreases after neutering.
* A neutered dog is less likely to embarrass you at a dinner party by making unwanted advances on the leg of a guest.
