Every year, thousands of stray and unwanted animals are euthanized in shelters across the United States. Many of these deaths are the avoidable result of owners failing to spay or neuter their pets. Even if you keep a close watch on your pet, accidents happen, and unexpected offspring means more animals that won’t be given the chance at full, happy lives.
Spaying and neutering help end this cycle, and both procedures can have health benefits for pets.
Spaying: Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) is a common surgical procedure performed on female cats and dogs and involves removing the patient’s uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes, rendering the animal incapable of reproduction. We recommend spaying your pet at 3-6 months, depending on your dog’s breed and ideally before the patient’s first heat. Benefits of spaying include:
- Preventing unwanted pregnancies
- Eliminating the risk of ovarian and uterine tumors
- Removing the possibility of uterine infections
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. Benefits of neutering include:
- Calming the animal, reducing aggressive behavior and decreasing dominant tendencies
- Reducing roaming and spraying (territory marking)
- Eliminating the risk of testicular and prostate tumors
To learn more about spaying and neutering, or to schedule an appointment, contact us at (248) 752-0204.
