Most pets you’ll own will be spayed and neutered, especially if you get them from a shelter or animal rescue. However, if your dog has puppies or cat has kittens, you’ll want to visit a spay clinic to safely spay or neuter your cat or dog. Neutering your pet or spaying your pet is one of the ways that pet owners can keep numbers of unwanted animals down and off the streets. Fewer animals will be impacted by neglect and abuse and be let loose by owners who don’t want them. Spaying or neutering your pet at a spay clinic also has healthcare benefits for your pet. Another important pet healthcare item you’ll want to tick off your pet care chart is taking care of their dental health. Yes, dental health in cats and dogs is just as important for your pet as it is for humans. Bad or rotting teeth in your cat or dog can cause pain and misery, though you may not even be aware of its effects until it’s too late and the animal is severe pain.
What Is the Importance of Spaying or Neutering Your Pet?
As mentioned above, spaying or neutering your pet can work as “crowd control.” There’s a pet homelessness crisis in almost every country and millions of animals worldwide end up being euthanized because there’s a lack of homes willing to take them in. These animals are perfectly happy, but simply can’t find a good home, or don’t end up in a no-kill shelter.
Past that, however, your pet may be able to live a longer and healthier life after visiting the spay and neuter clinic. In female animals, getting spayed can reduce their risk for uterine infections or tumors in their breast. Such tumors can be malignant in half of dogs and almost 90% of cats! Neutering your dog can help guard against testicular cancer and prostate issues.
It’ll also keep your female pet from going into heat and your male pets from roaming the streets looking for them! Don’t worry about where Fido got off to this time, and whether or not he’s looking both ways before crossing the road. You’ll also save money on just getting the spaying and neutering done, rather than raising a horde of puppies or kittens. As you can see, there are many benefits of neutering your pet (or spaying them) and bringing them to a spay clinic at an early age.
Why Is Dental Care For Pets So Important?
An adult dog has 42 teeth and a cat has 30, and by the time they’re three years old, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have periodontal disease, due to bad dental care by their owners. It actually isn’t that hard to cure your pet’s bad breath and give them good dental care. Indeed, you can get about 90% of the surface of a dog’s teeth just by brushing (you don’t have to floss). There are also special kibbles, chew toys, and treats for cats and dogs alike to help improve dental health.
Sadly, though vets tell pet owners how important brushing their pets’ teeth is, 65% of owners don’t follow through after the appointment. However, if your pet sees a vet at least once a year and gets their mouth thoroughly examined and cleaned, that can go a long way. After your pet is over seven years of age, they should get checked out twice a year.
Where Can I Take Care of These Items?
Many veterinary offices will take care of spaying and neutering for you, and your pet’s dental care can be worked into his or her annual checkup. There are also spay clinics in many areas that specialize in a quick spay and neuter procedure, so you can always look up one of those up and bring your pet in. It’s important to do it before they reach the first heat.
Be a responsible pet owner and do your part in reducing pet homelessness and increasing the chances of your pet’s longevity and continued health, especially as they get older.
