There can be much controversy when it comes to whether or not to spay or neuter your beloved pet. Spaying or neutering your pet should be of high priority for three main benefits.
Medical Benefits
Spaying and neutering your pets can do them a world of wonders including extending their lifespan. Your companion will also have a decreased risk of developing serious health issues during their increased lifespan. For your female animals, the chance of developing mammary gland tumors, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer decreases significantly if not completely. For your male animals, the chance of developing testicular cancer and prostate disorders such as benign prostatic hyperplasia will also decrease significantly.
Behavior Benefits
Spaying and neutering your pets can decrease some of their behaviors that pet owners typically view negatively. When a female is not spayed, she will go into heat which may also increase how talkative she is and also how frequently she has to urinate. A female animal is also more likely to roam when she is not altered. Male animals typically have more adverse behaviors when they are intact. These behaviors can include marking, mounting, and increased aggression. Once your male animal is neutered, it should eliminate marking completely and decrease the aggression of your animal. When females are in heat, male animals will try to roam to find these females.
Societal Benefits
The United States already has a severe pet overpopulation problem and when your pets are left intact, it is increasing the likelihood that pet overpopulation will continue to exist. One major downside of having a pet overpopulation problem is the rate of euthanasia that has to occur, especially during breeding seasons. The employees who work in animal shelters and rescues have to face the hard facts that not animals can be saved/adopted into a loving home, which can be ruthlessly disheartening.
If you can not afford to take your pet to get spayed or neutered at your regular veterinary hospital, reach out to your local spay and neuter clinics. These clinics will sometimes spay or neuter your animal for as low as $5!