3 reasons to spay or neuter your dog

According to the National Pet Population Council, there are about 8 million cats and dogs taken into animal shelters each year. According to the Humane Society, 25% of the latter are purebred. One of the main causes behind this problem is that many owners do not spay or neuter their dogs. As a result, millions of homeless dogs find their way to shelters.

The problem is that animal shelters can’t absorb the influx. They just lack the space. Unfortunately, to help curb the problem, millions of canines must be euthanized. In this article, we’ll explore three reasons to spay or neuter your dog.

#1 – Protect the community

There are many canines roaming the streets. If left alone, they often get into dumpsters (scattering them in the process) and defecate on homeowners’ lawns or neighborhood sidewalks. They can even become a danger to residents, threatening to attack them.

Spaying and neutering prevents your dog from adding to the problem. You can make sure he doesn’t spawn pups that grow up on the streets. If your canine companion is a female, neutering can eliminate the problem of male dogs coming into your home or immediate neighborhood.

#2 – Prevention of euthanasia

Spaying and neutering will help stop euthanasia in animal shelters. If your dog doesn’t contribute to the millions of homeless strays that find their way to shelters, there will be fewer to euthanize. It is important to note that the people who work in these facilities do not want to put the canines down. It is simply a tragic reality of your overloaded space.

Hobbyist breeders add to the problem. Owners will occasionally neglect neutering because they want to breed their dog. Sometimes, they do it for profit. Other times, they believe that each pup in the litter will eventually find a home, even if it’s for free. When a suitable home does not materialize, the owner takes the puppy (or puppies) to a shelter. Breeding should not be considered a hobby; should be left to professional breeders.

#3 – A nicer, healthier dog

Research has shown that canines that are spayed or neutered tend to have fewer health or behavioral problems. They are less likely to run away, are easier to train, and are more responsive to their owners. Ultimately, each of these factors means that owners enjoy the company of a more pleasant dog.

Today, there is very little reason to avoid spaying or neutering your dog. The procedure is performed while your dog is under anesthesia and is a one-time event. In addition, the cost of the operation is reasonable, especially given the advantages of performing it. If in doubt, review the three reasons above. Spaying or neutering is a good idea for you, your dog, and your community.