Spay & Neuter Procedures
Help your pet live a long, healthy life.
Although progress has been made in recent years, millions of unwanted dogs and cats are euthanized each year, including puppies and kittens. The good news is that you can make a difference.
By having your pet spayed or neutered, you will do your part to prevent the birth of unwanted animals. What's more, you could be setting your pet up for a longer life, as studies have repeatedly shown that spayed or neutered dogs and cats live longer, on average, than other dogs and cats. This advantage is likely due to the health and behavioral benefits of the procedures.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Established health benefits include protection against some potentially serious diseases. Spaying female dogs and cats can prevent uterine infection and reduce the risk of breast cancer. Neutering males can eliminate their risk of testicular cancer and reduce their risk of developing enlarged prostate glands (known as benign prostatic hyperplasia).
BEHAVIORAL BENEFITS
Behavioral benefits relate directly to the decreases in certain sex hormones that occur after spaying or neutering. Removing a female dog or cat's ovaries eliminates their heat cycles and generally reduces mating-related behaviors that may frustrate owners. Removing a male dog or cat's testicles reduces their breeding instinct, resulting in less roaming and fewer urine-marking behaviors.
When should you spay or neuter your pet?
The AVMA, American Association of Feline Practitioners, Association of Shelter Veterinarians, and several cat advocacy groups support spaying or neutering of cats by 5 months of age. This recommendation is based on the known benefits of sterilization, and the lack of evidence of harm related to the age when the procedure is performed.
When it comes to dogs, there is no one-size-fits-all recommendation. The optimal timing of spaying or neutering is as individual as your pet. As a general rule, our veterinarians recommend spaying and neutering your dog between 6 and 8 months of age.
Contrary to popular belief, there is no known benefit to delaying the spay procedure until a female dog or cat has gone through their first heat cycle.
Spaying
Spaying is a common surgical procedure performed on female cats and dogs. The process is called an ovariohysterectomy and involves removing the patient’s uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes, rendering the animal incapable of reproduction. Our veterinarians recommend spaying your pet at 6-8 months, depending on your dog’s breed and ideally before the patient’s first heat.
This procedure has many notable benefits including:
-
Prevents unwanted pregnancies
-
Eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine tumors
-
Remove the possibility of uterine infections
What to expect after surgery
Spaying is a major surgery that requires 10-14 days recovery time and will include medication; lethargy is common for the first couple days following the procedure.
Neutering
Neutering is performed on male cats and dogs. This process castrates the animal, removing their testicles and making them unable to impregnate females. Neutering is advised when your pet is 4-6 months old, but can be performed on older animals as well.
This procedure has many notable benefits including:
-
Neutering generates many important health benefits:
-
Prevents unwanted reproduction
-
Placates the animal, reducing aggressive behavior and decreasing dominant tendencies
-
Reduces roaming and spraying (territory marking)
-
Eliminates the risk of testicular and prostate tumors
What to expect after surgery
Although less invasive than spaying, neutering is still a major medical procedure that requires some recovery time. Following the procedure your pet will be sleepy from the anesthesia, this lethargy may last a couple days. Medication will be administered to combat pain. Owners must prevent the animal from licking or biting the incision to reduce the risk of infection
If you have questions about getting your pet spayed or neutered, or you’d like to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (207) 998-2444.
