Why You Should Sterilise Your Pet, And Where Can You Get It Done?

Why You Should Sterilise Your Pet, And Where Can You Get It Done?

Pet ownership has gained popularity in Singapore, especially over the past few years. Despite this upsurge, the unwanted cat/dog population looms high. The SPCA takes in close to 7000 animals a year.
People often ask the SPCA: “Why do you kill animals, isn’t it very cruel?”
The sad reality is, homes cannot be found fast enough; there are always new pets to accommodate and space is limited. In the long run, it is more humane to put an animal to sleep than to leave it starving on the street where it is prone to catching diseases, getting abused or possibly killed in an accident.
Pet owners can help solve this problem by sterilising their pets, and by being responsible owners in ensuring that they can provide a forever home for the animal.
What is sterilisation?
It is an operation carried out on an animal's reproductive organs to prevent it from producing offsprings; the procedure is performed under general anaesthetic, so the animal feels no pain. There may be slight discomfort for one or two days afterwards, but it is soon over, and your pet’s chances of a healthy life are enhanced. This also reduces the number of unwanted animals that often get abandoned on the streets or at animal shelters.
Better Health 
Unsterilised cats and dogs often suffer from cancer of the reproductive organs, testicular tumors, ovarian tumors and chronic uterine infections such as pyometra and metritis. Sterilised animals have reduced chances of getting these ailments. Its weight will not be affected.
Another problem faced by unsterilised animals is frustration caused by the compulsion to breed. The scent of a female on heat can drive a normally contented canine or feline berserk, and the urge to roam the streets in search of a mate starts with a chain of other potential problems - fighting with other animals, getting hit by cars or catching contagious diseases. Frustration does not help your pet’s mental health.
Better Behaviour at Home
A sterilised animal is more relaxed. Dogs retain their guard dog instinct after this operation. A sterilised tomcat will usually abstain from spraying foul-smelling urine, fighting and caterwauling, while male dogs will have a much reduced urge to mount people’s legs.
Why Sterilise Your Pet?

• Control dog and cat overpopulation
• Reduce the number of domestic animals abandoned or euthanased
• Improve the health of your pet
• Protect the health and safety of others by reducing the threat of rabies, bites and traffic accidents caused by community (stray) animals

Benefits of Sterilising Females

• Eliminates the heat cycle (estrus) and stops bloody discharges
• Ends crying, nervous pacing and frantic attempts to get outside
• Ends unwelcome visits by suitors
• Reduces or eliminates the risk of mammary tumors
• Eliminates the dangers of mastitis (inflammation of the breast), ovarian cysts, miscarriage and complications of delivery
• Removes discomfort, distress and distraction
• Increases life expectancy

Benefits of Sterilising Males

• Stops the mating drive and reduces urge to roam
• Reduces mounting of furniture and people’s legs (in dogs)
• Stops a cat from spraying to mark territory
• Lowers the risk of male genital problems and prostate diseases
• Removes discomfort, distress and distraction
• Increases life expectancy