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Neutering or spaying can also help to eliminate problematic behaviors such as urine marking. According to the Humane Society of the United States, “Unneutered dogs are much more assertive and prone to urine-marking (lifting their leg) than neutered dogs. Although it is most often associated with male dogs, females may do it, too. Spaying or neutering your dog should reduce urine-marking and may stop it altogether.” The key to nipping this problematic behavior in the bud is to have the procedure done on your pet before the behavior becomes fully ingrained. Spaying or neutering your dog can also prevent roaming, aggression, excessive barking, mounting, and other behaviors that are associated with dominance. Since spaying and neutering can eliminate the risks of many serious diseases that can impact an animal’s reproductive system, it also saves you money in the long run. Treatment for cancer or other issues is much more expensive than spay or neuter surgery. Additionally, many locations offer a discount on your dog license if your animal is fixed. Another factor in favor of having the procedure done is that it can reduce the urge to fight that exists in many animals that haven’t been sterilized. Fights can cause serious injury to your pet, and these injuries can be expensive to treat. If you are concerned about the cost of having this procedure done on your pet, there may be a low-cost spay and neuter clinic that you can go to. You can talk to your veterinarian to learn where there may be one located near you. The health benefits associated with the procedure and the fact that you won’t have to worry about contributing to the number of unwanted animals dumped in animal shelters are excellent reasons to have it done.

Owning a Dog

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