Winter is in full swing, but soon spring will be knocking on our doorstep. February is national spay/neuter awareness month and we just love to spread awareness about the importance of, and life-saving benefits to, spaying and neutering your pets. Not only is it highly cost-effective, but it has both medical and behavioral benefits as well. Below is a list of benefits, myths and misconceptions about this commonly performed surgery.

Medical benefits
Your female pet will live a longer and healthier life. Spaying helps prevent uterine infections and tumors. Neutering prevents testicular cancer and prostate problems.
Behavioral benefits
Your spayed female pet will not go into heat. No more yowling for mates, urinating (sometimes in the house!) and bleeding.Your male pet is less likely to roam away from home. Intact males will do just about anything to find a mate, even if it means risking injury.Your neutered male may be better behaved. Might be less inclined to mount other dogs, people or mark their territory in the house.
Spay/neuter myths and misconceptions
Spaying or neutering will not cause your pet to become overweight. Lack of exercise and overfeeding will cause your pet to gain those extra pounds.Neutering is not a quick fix for all of your pet’s behaviors. Neutering often reduces undesirable behaviors caused by higher levels of testosterone, but there is no guarantee your pets behavior will change after he’s neutered.

There are many benefits to spaying and neutering, and like we said earlier, highly-cost effective. It’s much less expensive to spay and neuter, than to raise a litter of kittens or puppies. LPCHS has seen a record number of unwanted litters. By being a responsible pet parent, you are also helping to control the homeless pet crisis the country is seeing.

One of the programs we offer is our monthly low-cost spay and neuter clinics, that provide pet parents peace of mind, at an affordable cost. You can also get your pet up-to-date on their vaccines and have them microchipped for an additional low cost. Visit our website lpchumanesociety.org to learn more.

Emily Phillips is marketing and development manager for the La Plata County Humane Society.