Spaying and neutering are among the most common surgical procedures for pets, yet many owners don’t understand why they’re so important. This leads people to question the practice and potentially skip it altogether. However, there are many reasons why pet parents should spay or neuter their cats and dogs—both for their sake and for the community at large. Here are the top three reasons every pet parent should have their pets spayed or neutered.

One untreated health problem often leads into the next, both in humans and in pets. When dogs begin to develop symptoms of a certain disease, their owners might be surprised to learn the real issue isn’t what they expected at all. One common example is the link between periodontal disease and tonsillitis.

Pet owners tend to focus on ailments they can see. It’s easy to know when a cat or dog has a scratch, limp or wound. Unseen things like liver health deserve the same amount of attention, but they often go neglected until serious internal damage makes itself known.

There’s no question you want the best for your furry friend. When it comes to their healthcare, you most likely let your veterinarian take the reins during your pet’s annual checkup and follow their advice for medical procedures or treatments.

Cats come in all shapes and sizes. Just because your furry friend is a little larger than the kitty next door doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re overweight. Some cats are just a bit rounder than others, depending on their breed. However, monitoring your cat’s weight and body composition is an important part of maintaining their life-long health.

Listen to our own Dr. Jan speaking on the Sup, Babe? Podcast explaining her inspiring back story and the best ways to optimize your pet's health through holistic means. Learn more about our favorite expert behind Pet Wellbeing!

Diabetes can affect both cats and dogs of any age. The condition occurs due to low or ineffective insulin levels in your pet’s body, which prevents your pet from properly processing glucose and turning it into energy. Worsening diabetes can lead to life-threatening conditions such as kidney failure, seizures and even death. Fortunately, this condition can be avoided!

It’s never fun when you notice your puppy is feeling under the weather. Young puppies are particularly susceptible to illness because their immune systems are not fully developed.

Kittens are a lot like babies—fragile little things that need protection and care to grow big and strong. Because of their underdeveloped immune systems and lack of vaccinations, kittens are more susceptible to illnesses that might not affect adult cats as often. Additionally, these illnesses might have much more drastic consequences for your kitty if they’re not addressed.