If you knew that you could possibly extend your pets life span, you would do anything you could to make that happen, right? The good news is that pet owners can give their pets a chance at a longer, healthier life if they simply spay or neuter them. There are several other benefits as well, both for the pet and you, the pet owner.

Did you know that pet overpopulation in the United States results in nearly 4 to 6 million pets being euthanized each year? This is probably the best reason to have your pet spayed or neutered, but let's look at the other reasons too. Spaying and neutering your dog prior to six months of age may prevent or reduce the risk of a number of health issues that could occur later in their life.

These health problems could either be very difficult or very expensive to treat, not to mention the stress your pet(and you) will face. For female dogs, spaying greatly reduces the possibility of contracting breast cancer, uterine cancer, or ovarian cancer. For male dogs, neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and reduces the possibility of contracting prostate cancer.

As the dogs owner, you will appreciate that your pet will be more affectionate and obedient after they are spayed or neutered. For female dogs, spaying removes her heat cycle, which will eliminate the incessant crying and nervous behavior female dogs will sometimes exhibit while they are in heat. She will not be so likely to attract unwanted male dogs anymore either. If a female is spayed at the right age, she will be less likely to end up getting pregnant. With an unplanned pregnancy, you will have several puppies for which you will have to pay medical expenses. They will also each need a good home and that will be up to the pet owner once again.

A male dog that is not neutered will do nearly anything to get to a female who is in heat. They will dig up the yard or break through fences and rip leashes, causing property damage and possibly injuring themselves(or you)in the process. After neutering him though, he will be less likely to roam or run away from home, mark his territory or all of your possessions with urine, get into fights with other animals, or to bite someone.

Not only do pets and pet owners benefit from the spaying and neutering procedures, but the community as well. Many times, cities and towns will spend up to millions to control animals that are wandering or unwanted. Animal shelters are completely overwhelmed with the number of pets who are found or dropped off daily. Homeless or stray pets can get into trash containers and make a mess or do their business on private lawns or in public areas. When stray dogs breed, sometimes it can contribute to the problem of dog bites and attacks. Some pets who wander the neighborhood will kill or frighten birds and other wildlife.