Some will argue against spaying and neutering of pets, but there are many more benefits from having the procedure done than negatives. Both procedures sterilize the pet, making it unable to reproduce. So why do it?

By having your pet “fixed,” you are helping to control the pet population and also prevent the spread of disease. The truth is there are far too many pets and not enough loving homes.

Humane societies and shelters are bursting at the seams with these abandoned pets and many are euthanized because there are no homes for them. Those that are not rescued by shelters become neighborhood nuisances and die a cruel death in the streets.

Both dogs and cats can be fixed as early as 6 weeks of age, depending on your veterinarian. Doing so before the first heat cycle is an important key to keeping the unwanted pet population down. The surgery is a relatively simple procedure and your veterinarian might keep your pet a day or so.

In females, spaying removes the reproductive organs, including the uterus and ovaries. Males, when neutered, have their testicles removed. With your pet’s reproductive organs removed, it reduces the chance of your pet getting reproductive cancer.

Neutering eliminates territorial urine marking in males. It also helps eliminate the urge to roam and to defend his turf. A male that is not neutered will do anything to get at a female that is in heat, including tearing up your house, yard or anything else that stands in his way. Neutering also helps lessen aggressive tendencies.

Spaying eliminates the heat cycle in females, which can last anywhere from 6 to 12 days and occurs two to three times a year. Because the heat cycle is eliminated, the incessant crying, nervous behavior and temperament changes are also eliminated. Many female dogs become destructive during the heat cycle, and spaying with will save your carpet, furniture and everything else.

Contrary to popular belief, spaying or neutering your pet will not make it fat. Obesity in pets is generally caused by overfeeding and lack of exercise and can be prevented with proper feeding and an exercise regiment.