The Benefits of Spay & Neuter... a guest blog, in total harmony with the Haute or Not Pets POV!!! Spay + Neuter = HAUTE

by Heather Reynolds

Spaying and neutering a pet can be a hot topic, with both sides giving passionate arguments. Proponents say that altering a pet reduces the epidemic of pet overpopulation, while also increasing a pet's lifespan and decreasing a pet's desire to stray. Opponents argue that they shouldn't have to cause their pet the pain of alteration.

I am on the proponent side. I have seen too many dogs and cats in too many shelters around the country in need of homes because they were part of 'accidental litters' of un-spayed pets. These shelters end up euthanizing perfectly happy and healthy pets because of this issue. I am of the opinion that you are saving a life by adopting a pet-saving several lives by spaying and neutering the pet you adopt!

But I've learned there are other benefits as well. Turns out altered pets have a much lower risk of mammary gland tumors, prostate cancer, and other forms of cancer. And when I see that one in three dogs will be affected by cancer, and of those, half will die (per the National Canine Cancer Foundation), I am jumping at the chance to do anything to help lower those odds.

And here is something I found out when I signed up for pet insurance; Altered pets are much easier to insure because most pet insurance companies and not able to cover anything related to breeding or pregnancy, or anything related to fights caused by unneutered males.

For example, our Trupanion policy states:

For pets that have not been neutered or spayed, no coverage shall apply for illness related to prostate problems, hormonal skin conditions, testicular tumors, mammary tumors, uterine and ovarian conditions, birthing, or injury due to fighting, collision with a motor vehicle or aggressive behavior.

As you can see, it's incredibly important to spay and neuter your pet. That week of surgery and recovery your pet will endure will provide for a lifetime of peace of mind for you, the owner, and will protect your pet's health and well being in the future.

According to the American Pet Products Association, 75% of owned dogs and 87% of owned cats are spayed or neutered. Is yours?

Heather Reynolds is a pet lover and internet journalist at Trupanion. Feel free to contact her with any questions related to cat and dog insurance at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Thanks for your thoughts Heather... stay HAUTE!!!

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