Spay / Neuter
Spay / Neuter (Kapon)
Getting your pet spayed or neutered may seem like something unnecessary and scary, but there are many benefits to having the procedure done – both for you and your furry friend.
What is spaying and neutering in the first place? Also known locally as kapon, this is an operation to have your pet’s reproductive organs removed. Neuter generally refers to the procedure done to male animals, while spay is the one that females undergo. The operation itself only lasts for a few minutes, and the benefits last for the rest of your pet’s life.
Spaying and neutering provide not only health and behavioral benefits – it also has a positive effect on society.
Cat Walking
Health & Behavioral Benefits:
Spaying your pet increases their lifespan by a handful of years, both for dogs and cats.
Animals may also get cancer, and spaying reduces the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer in females. Having her spayed before her first heat further lowers the chance of this. Neutered male animals also have a lower chance of acquiring testicular cancer and prostate diseases.
A spayed or neutered pet also loses their urge to leave the house and roam the streets. This is because they no longer have the desire to find a mate during their cycles. Letting your pet go outside unsupervised can also lead to them catching various diseases or getting injured, aside from the possibility of unplanned pregnancies.
Female pets will no longer have their heat. There is no longer a risk of having an unexpected litter of puppies or kittens.
Males will lose the urge to mark their territory with their urine. You may have previously noticed your cat or dog spraying or marking various zones in your house. This is a sign of them claiming their territory. Having the procedure done may lessen or completely stop them from doing this.
If your pet has a tendency to be aggressive or be matapang, having them spayed or neutered may improve their behavior and make them less fierce. Training your pet properly will still be necessary, as this is not an instant fix, but spaying and neutering, especially for male dogs, may make them less likely to show aggression.
Societal Benefits:
Having your own pet spayed or neutered will help in reducing the amount of stray animals in your community. This means there will be lower chances of animal bites from strays, less homeless cats and dogs in shelters and in pounds, and less incidences of euthanization and animal killings.
dog neutered
Dogs can be scheduled for kapon as early as 6 months old. Having the procedure done early would be more beneficial as younger pets heal easier. Older dogs can still be spayed or neutered, but complications post-operation may arise. Cats can have the operation done as early as 8 weeks old. There is no age limit to either procedure for both pets, but your vet may have to conduct some tests to ensure that they are healthy enough for the operation.
Your veterinarian likely provides spay and neutering services. Your local community may also regularly run Kapon Drives for free. ANGKOP has previously collaborated with Red Cubs Pet Patrol to hold a Spay & Neuter Drive in Antipolo City, where over 60 pets were brought by their owners to have the procedure done. They have also made an effort to spay and neuter stray cats and dogs in the community.
Be a responsible and loving owner and have your pets spayed/neutered. The procedure will be greatly worth it in the long run, and will result in a happier, healthier pet – and community