Whether you’re considering adopting a pet or have done so recently, one of the most important and responsible decisions you can make is to neuter or spay your furry friend. Spaying or neutering your pet promotes better controlling the cat and dog homelessness crisis. This helps to reduce the need for euthanizing simply because there aren’t enough homes for them.
Medical Benefits to Spaying and Neutering Your Pet
Spaying and neutering can also provide medical and behavioral benefits that can help your four-legged friend live a happier and healthier life.
For female pets
Spaying can help your cat or dog live a longer, healthier life. Properly removing reproductive organs can prevent breast tumors and uterine infections. These health conditions often have high risks of developing into malignant or cancerous situations. Spaying helps to protect your female from these kinds of diseases.
For male pets
Neutering your male companion helps to reduce the risk of developing testicular cancer and certain prostate problems.
Behavioral Benefits to Spaying and Neutering
Spaying your female pet means she won't go into heat. While cycles can vary, females cats and dogs typically go into heat four to five days every three weeks during breeding season. To help attract mates, they often yowl and urinate more frequently. If they are indoor pets, this means they’ll likely do this all over the house!
Neutering your male furry friend makes him less likely to roam away from home. An intact male does just about anything to find himself a mate. This can often include finding ways to escape the house. Once he's free, the risks for injury in traffic and fights with other animals increases significantly.
Neutering your male cat or dog can also help with their behavior. Unneutered pets are more likely to mark their territory by spraying strong-smelling urine all over the house. Your dog may be less likely to mount other dogs, inanimate objects, and people after he’s neutered. Early neutering can even help to avoid aggression issues.
When Should My Vet Spay or Neuter My Pet?
The typical age recommended for neutering or spaying dogs is between six and nine months. Puppies at eight weeks old can be neutered if they’re healthy enough. Adult dogs can be neutered as well. However, the older the animal, the higher the risks are for post-operative complications.
Kittens as young as eight weeks old can be neutered or spayed. These surgeries are often performed in shelters before adoption to avoid pregnancy and overpopulation. It’s recommended to schedule a spay or neuter surgery before your cat reaches five months of age. It is possible to spay a female cat when in heat.
Be sure to talk to your veterinarian to determine the best time to spay or neuter your pet. Although reproductive hormones can make pets more difficult or destructive, it’s still important to talk with your vet so that you can make an informed decision.
Are There Any Risks with Spaying and Neutering?
Yes, as with any surgery, some risks can follow. While spaying and neutering are major surgeries, they are also standard procedures performed by veterinarians. Like any surgical procedure, sterilization requires anesthetics and can include some surgical risks. However, the overall percentage of complications is very low.
To help reduce risks, your vet should conduct a thorough physical exam to ensure that your pet is in good health for surgery.
Helping Your Pet Before and After Surgery
Before surgery, your veterinary clinic provides advice that you need to follow. Avoid feeding your adult pet after midnight the night before. However, puppies and kittens need proper nutrition, and your vet might recommend that you feed them beforehand.
Your vet also provides post-operative instructions for you to follow. If your companion experiences discomfort after surgery, the vet will take various measures to control pain. Depending on the procedure, medication may be sent home with your pet.
Helpful Tips for Promoting a Comfortable and Safe Recovery
Below are multiple things you can do to help your pet’s recovery:
- Provide your pet with a quiet place indoors and away from other animals while recovering.
- Prevent your four-legged friend from running or jumping for as long as your vet recommends.
- Do not let your pet lick the incision site. This may cause infection. Try distracting them with treats or use a cone collar.
- Avoid bathing your cat or dog for at least ten days after surgery.
- Examine the incision site daily to make sure it is healing correctly.
- If you notice any swelling, redness, or discharge at the incision, or if the incision is open, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
- Call your vet if your pet is lethargic, has a decreased appetite, has diarrhea, or is vomiting following surgery.
At Antony Animal Hospital, we’re dedicated to the overall health and happiness of animals. Dr. Amal Zakhary, more commonly known as “Dr. Amy,” performs spay and neutering procedures with precision and skill. Help keep your cat or dog safe and healthy by scheduling an appointment for these common preventive surgeries. Contact our Hesperia veterinarian and her team today!