Benefits of Spaying and Neutering Your Pet

Most pet dogs and cats are spayed (female) or neutered (male) to remove reproductive organs and prevent pregnancy. But health issues provide other compelling reasons for spaying and neutering dogs and cats. 

Female dogs and cats have a high incidence of cancers of the reproductive system. Spaying removes the ovaries and the uterus, preventing the production of estrogen, which leads to most of the reproductive cancers. A vast majority of unspayed older females contract a life-threatening infection of the uterus, called pyometra. This infection is caused by problems with progesterone, another female hormone which is eliminated through spaying. Female dogs and cats should be spayed before their first heat, if possible, which generally occurs between six months and one year of age.

Males that are not neutered often exhibit extremely aggressive behaviors, which can be dangerous to them, other animals and people. A dog that was well-behaved and calm in its youth can suddenly show a pack mentality and become more aggressive, chase cars, try to get loose to roam freely, or bark and growl a lot -- all as a result of high testosterone levels. Some male cats that have not been neutered will begin spraying urine in the house. Many of these habits become hard to break. A male dog or cat neutered between six months and one year of age will retain its youthful calm.

Spaying and neutering are common surgeries. They require some form of anesthesia and most vets prefer for the dog or cat to remain in the hospital overnight.

Our surgical procedures are done Monday thru Thurday. We ask that you withhold food the night before surgery after 10:00 PM and drop off is at 8:00 AM. We perform the surgery in the morning and pets are sent home the following morning. If you have any other questions regarding spaying or neutering, or to schedule an appointment please call us at (763) 754-2131.