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Owning a dog is a big responsibility. You want to do everything you can to keep your pet healthy. You might be wondering whether you should spay or neuter your dog. You might have heard that having your pet spayed or neutered could be dangerous. Unfortunately, not having this procedure done can actually cause more harm to your dog. In fact, there are several reasons why having your dog spayed or neutered can actually help keep your pet healthy. Take a look at the benefits that these surgeries provide for your dog.

Prevents Cancer

Like humans, dogs are susceptible to various forms of cancer. Having your dog spayed or neutered can prevent several of those cancers. For instance, spaying and neutering protects your dog from the following cancers:

• Mammary cancer

• Testicular cancer

• Ovarian cancer

Reduces Tendencies to Roam

Most dogs try to venture away from home when it's time to mate. Whether it's a female searching for a male or a male who's caught the scent of a female in heat, the urge is the same. Once your pet has been spayed or neutered, they will lose the urge to seek out partners of the opposite sex that might have wandered into the neighborhood.

Prevents Injuries

When dogs wander away from home, they are at risk for a variety of accidents and injuries. Dogs that run loose may be struck by cars or get involved in altercations with other loose animals. Unfortunately, if your pet is injured while out on the loose, it probably will not receive the medical care it's in need of. You can help keep your dog at home by having it spayed or neutered.

Reduces Aggressive Behavior

If your male dog is exhibiting aggressive behavior, neutering may help improve their behavior. Recent studies have found that male dogs become aggressive when they want to mate. Removing their testicles removes testosterone, which eliminates the aggressive behavior.

Reduces Nuisance Behaviors

If you're like most people, you can probably do without male dogs mounting everything they find. You might also dislike listening to the neighbor's female dog howl each time it's in heat. Those are two behaviors that you can avoid with your own dog by having it spayed or neutered.

You want what's best for your new dog. Having it spayed or neutered will improve its health, reduce its chances of roaming the neighborhood, and reduce problem behaviors. If you have further questions about the procedure, be sure to discuss them with a veterinarian, like Kingsport Veterinary Hospital.