Be Like Bob | Have Your Pet Spayed Or Neutered
Posted on: 22 December 2022
Depending on your age, you may know Bob Barker as the guy who punched out Happy Gilmore on the golf course or as the long-time host of "The Price Is Right." However, veterinarians remember him for his unwavering commitment to spreading the message of controlling the pet population by having your pet spayed or neutered. Here's why that message was — and still is — so important.
What Do Spay and Neuter Mean?
The terms spay and neuter refer to the process by which a female or male animal is surgically sterilized. For females, this means that their uterus and ovaries are removed, similar to a hysterectomy in women, while for male pets, their testicles are removed. This means neither can reproduce after this procedure, thereby controlling the pet population.
It is important to note that the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) estimates that over six million pets enter the shelter system each year, and over 900,000 have to be euthanized. However, responsible pet owners like Bob Barker know that spaying or neutering your pet can help. In fact, over 80 percent of dogs and cats are now spayed or neutered.
How Is It Done?
Spay and neuter procedures are typically done by a veterinarian in an office setting. The surgery is quick and painless. The entire procedure is performed under general anesthesia so your pet feels no pain or discomfort during the operation. However, after the surgery, your pet will need to rest for several days until they recover from anesthesia.
Why Is It Important to Spay and Neuter?
Spaying and neutering pets help reduce the population of unwanted animals in shelters, which in turn helps decrease euthanasia rates in shelters due to overcrowding. Spayed or neutered pets have reduced risks of certain cancers as well as other medical issues, such as uterine infections in female animals or testicular cancer in male animals.
Additionally, spaying or neutering can also help reduce aggressive behaviors, such as marking territory with urine or fighting with other animals. These behaviors tend to decrease once hormones are removed via surgery.
Getting your pet spayed or neutered is an important responsibility for all pet owners. It not only reduces the population of unwanted animals but also helps protect your pet's health. So, be like Bob, and help control the pet population. If you have more questions about spaying and neutering your pets, make sure to talk to your local vet today.
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