5 Signs That Your Pet Should Be Spayed or Neutered

After getting your pet and bringing them home, it is advisable to spay or neuter them while they are still young. Some people like to have puppies or kittens before spaying or neutering, which is okay.

Spaying or neutering pets has many significant benefits, not only to the overpopulation problem but also to your pet's health. It also improves your pet's behavior, making them more likable and easier to live with. 

So, what are the signs that it is time to spay or neuter your pet? Read on to learn more. 

They Are the Right Age

The body of a kitten or puppy is still growing, and they usually are effortless to deal with. As they grow older, they become more mature and have more cat- or dog-like behaviors. We get them because they are adorable, but as they age, they also acquire behaviors that make it hard for us. It is for this reason that experts advise spaying or neutering early. 

The American Animal Hospital Association advises spaying your cat at five months old. Dogs that weigh 45 or fewer kilos at full maturity should be spayed at five to six months and neutered at six months. Dogs weighing more than 45 kilos at maturity should be neutered at nine to 15 months and spayed at five to 15 months.

They Are in Heat

If you have yet to keep track of their age, you can still know when to spay or neuter your pet. When your pet is in heat, its behavior changes significantly. Dogs have a heat cycle that is 21 days long, and it happens twice a year. Cats, on the other hand, have a fifteen-day cycle that occurs twice or thrice a year. 

When pets are in heat, they can become very vocal, making different noises. Also, your female pet will start attracting other pets that may be unwanted. If you notice your pet is in heat, it is a sign that it is time to spay or neuter them. 

They Are Aggressive

Spaying or neutering your pets makes them very easy to be around. They are calm around other animals compared to pets that are not spayed or neutered. If you have not spayed or neutered your pet and you notice they are becoming aggressive around other pets or people, it is a sign to do so.  

They Are Wandering out More

If you notice your pet starting to wander outside frequently, it is a sign to spay or neuter them. Animals have the instinct to explore their surroundings. However, this instinct is based on procreation needs. Neutered or spayed pets spend more time indoors, live longer, and have fewer scars and wounds because they do not get into fights. 

They Are Marking Territory

Animals naturally mark their territory when they are in a place they consider theirs. While this is interesting, it is not so much when they urinate around the house and on your carpet. If you notice your cat or dog doing this, it is time to spay or neuter them. Sterilized animals do not have the urge to mark their territory, and your house can keep smelling amazing.

For more about the signs that your pet should be spayed or neutered, visit Liberty Animal Clinic at our office in Hinesville, Georgia. Call (912) 368-4080 to book an appointment today.