Spaying & Neutering
Owners of young puppies or kittens in Apple Valley may wonder whether they should have their pet spayed or neutered.
What does spaying and neutering mean?
Spaying and Neutering refer to the surgical procedure of sterilizing animals under anesthesia.
Spaying refers to the procedure for female animals, although it's technically known as an ovariohysterectomy. The procedure involved the removal of a female's reproductive organs.
An orchiectomy, better known as neutering, removed the testicles from male animals and is thought of as a simpler surgery than a spay. Neutering can also refer to the 'fixing' of either sex.
Benefits For Cats
Spaying or neutering your cat comes with 6 benefits:
- It reduces the risk of your cat contracting certain diseases.
- It may decrease the risk of mammary (breast) cancer.
- It curbs naughty behaviors, like spraying to mark territory.
- Neutered cats are less likely to stray from home.
- Your cat may become more affectionate.
- It decreases the risk of uterine infection in female cats.
Benefits For Dogs
Spaying or neutering your dog comes with 5 benefits:
- It can reduce sexualized behaviors.
- It reduces the risk of prostate and other cancers.
- It reduces the mating urge.
- It reduces marking and spraying issues.
- It stabilizes the mood of the dog.
Spaying & Neutering FAQs
- When should I have my pet spayed? What age?
You should consult with your veterinarian to figure out the best age to spay or neuter your cat or dog. There is some research that indicated it may be best for your pet's health to spay or neuter dogs after they have passed through puberty.
Many veterinary professionals recommend that female animals be spays before their first heat, usually around 5 months of age. However, there is mounting evidence that this is too young and does not allow the animal a chance to properly develop.
- What should I know about the recovery process for my pet?
SPAYING After the surgery, some vets may ask to keep your pet overnight while others may let her go home with you the same day. After a spay, you should try to restrict your pet's activity for 7 - 10 days.
NEUTERING Your pet can usually go home the same day as their operation, barring complications or health issues. You should restrict your pet's activity for the next few days while their incision heals.
In the case of both procedures, your pet may be sent home with a protective collar to keep them from licking their surgical wound.
We will also often book a follow-up visit to ensure your pet has healed and to remove their stitches.
- Will my pet feel anything during the procedure?
Your pet will be under general anesthesia, so they will not feel anything during the procedure.
- Will my pet gain weight after the procedure?
Your pet will not gain weight because of the procedure.
However, your puppy or kitten will continue to grow to its full size and weight and it naturally includes some weight gain.
- Is this service part of your Pet Wellness Plans?
Because spays and neuters are one-time procedures, we do not include them in Wellness Plans.
If your pet is on a Wellness Plan, though, you will receive a 10% discount on your spay or neuter!
