One step you can take to ensure your pet will lead a long, happy, and healthy life is to consider early neutering. In general, both male and female dogs and cats not part of a carefully planned breeding program should be neutered by six months of age. Neutering your pet will also help reduce the number of unwanted or abandoned animals.

Surgical spaying of female dogs and cats eliminates heat cycles. The spay surgery, which technically is called an ovariohysterectomy, includes the removal of both the ovaries and the uterus. Spaying your female dog or cat prevents uterine infections, pregnancies, and reduces the chance of developing mammary tumors. Studies show that spaying your female dog before her first heat cycle can greatly reduce her chances of developing mammary cancer in later life. It is not necessary, or even desirable, to wait to spay your female dog or cat until they have gone through a heat cycle.

Surgical castration of male dogs and cats eliminates most roaming behavior. The castration surgery, which technically is called an orchiectomy, includes removal of the testicles. Castrating your male dog prevents testicular tumors, reduces the chance of developing perianal tumors and prostate disease in later life, and reduces the desire to mark territory. Your male dog or cat will also be happier to stay at home with you.

It should be emphasized that spaying or neutering your pet will not change their unique personality. Having your pet neutered when they are young and healthy will further reduce the already low risk of anesthetic and surgery, and will maximize the long-term health benefits of the procedure.