Why you should spay or neuter your pet

Why should I spay or neuter my pet?  The first, and most obvious, answer is to prevent pet overpopulation.  According to HSUS and ASPCA, between 6 and 8 million pets enter shelters in the US each year.  Half of them, 3 to 4 million dogs and cats, are euthanized every year.  There are also many health benefits to your pet from these procedures.  Spaying a female prior to her first heat can reduce her lifetime chances of breast cancer by up to 85%.  Also, as females age they become much more likely to develop infections in their uterus (pyometra), a very dangerous disease which is fatal if not treated.   Neutering a male dog will not only reduce roaming and marking behaviors (as well as some aggression problems) by up to 50%, but it will virtually eliminate prostate enlargement and infections.  Be sure to discuss any concerns you have with your veterinarian.

Links: http://www.aspca.org/
http://www.humanesociety.org/