Every pet parent should know the importance of spaying or neutering their pet, not only is it beneficial for their health in their future, but also aids in reducing the stray population around the UAE. If you’re a pet parent who’s on the fence about whether or not they should neuter their pet, this article is sure to help you make an easier decision, as we’ll explore the benefits of spaying or neutering your pet.  

Reducing The Stray Population: 

According to GVC (Global Veterinary Careers), there is an estimate of between 100,000 - 150,000 stray animals living on the streets of the UAE, with the stray cat population being in the majority. Shelters within the UAE are mostly at capacity, and many are unable to take in new strays. Some pet parents will allow their cats to wander around outdoors, unneutered cats may end up breeding with strays out on the streets, which proceeds to increase the number of homeless animals within the UAE. The best way to prevent this from happening, is to spay or neuter your pet, and prevent them from creating unwanted litters. By spaying or neutering your pet, and preventing them from breeding, you’re also providing more opportunities for stray pets to find homes. 

Health Benefits:

Spaying or neutering your cat or dog isn’t just a method of preventing breeding, but also benefits their health and prevents specific medical issues that may occur later in life. 

Cats:

Female cats can be neutered once they reach 6 months of age. Ideally before their first heat cycle. The removal of their ovaries during the spaying procedure reduces the amount of hormones that may cause mammary gland tumors. Spaying your cat can also reduce the risk of ovarian or cervical cancer later in life.    

Male cats can be neutered around 6 months old, like females. By removing their testicles, neutering your cat can prevent the development of testicular cancer, and reduce the chances of them developing prostatic diseases as they get older. Like females, the reduced hormones also aid in preventing hormonal tumors from developing as well. 

Dogs: 

Female dogs should be spayed early on in their lifespan, ideally before either their first or second heat cycle. Spaying your female dog can help prevent the development of uterine infections, such as pyometra, which can be life-threatening for unspayed females. Like cats, spaying your female dog can also reduce the risk of mammary tumors of uterine cancers developing later in life. 

Male dogs can be neutered between six to nine months of age. Neutering your dog will help prevent the development of testicular cancer and prostatic diseases as they age. 

By spaying or neutering your pet, you’re also potentially increasing their lifespan and well-being. 

Behavioral Benefits: 

Aside from preventing later-in-life diseases, there are also behavioral benefits from spaying or neutering your pet. 

Male cats and dogs are less prone towards displaying territorial behavior. Spraying or marking their territory is common practice among unneutered cats and dogs, but by having them neutered, you’re more likely to stop them marking their territory, especially indoors.

Territorial behavior may also include aggression towards other animals within the vicinity. Neutering your cat will make them less aggressive and will reduce fights from breaking out with other cats within the area, lowering the risk of injury and vet visits as a result. When cats fight, they run the risk of spreading diseases such as FIV, or forming abscesses as a result of the wounds received during these aggressive encounters. Spayed or neutered cats are less likely to wander at night looking for a mate, making it less likely for them to get into a scuffle with other cats in the area. Dogs who are less territorial are less aggressive as a result as well, making it easier for them to be introduced to other pets.

Female cats in heat will often “yowl” loudly to attract the attention of males, especially at night, making it quite a nuisance for those pet parents trying to get some sleep. Spaying them will prevent them from making these noises, and prevent them from going into heat. 

Many pet parents will also notice that their pet will have a calmer temperament after being spayed or neutered, this is due to the hormonal changes that will occur after the procedure. 

The procedure itself may be expensive to some, but the benefits certainly outweigh the costs. By having your pet spayed or neutered, you’re providing them with a longer, healthier, and happier life ahead. For more information, contact your local veterinarian, they’ll be sure to answer any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure. Give your pet its best future!