by KYW's Nan Talleno

By now most people are aware that spaying and neutering is a very responsible thing for a pet owner to do, especially given the fact that, tragically, over 3 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year due to overpopulation and lack of loving homes.  But many people aren’t aware that spaying and neutering could also keep your pet healthy throughout their lives  

Spaying a female can reduce the chance of mammary tumors, uterine cancer and various other diseases. Neutered males tend to be more at ease and less aggressive and territorial than un-neutered males. With a neutered male, the urge to mark territory can certainly lessen. And a neutered male is less likely to be fixated to wander off in search of potential mates.  It tends to add a sense of balance physically and psychologically in their lives.

Dogs should be spayed or neutered by the time they are six months old to avoid many health issues but it is never too late.  Get your pet off to a happy, healthy start in their lives, physically and mentally.  When you adopt from a shelter your new companion will already have been spayed or neutered and ready to come home.