Spay and Neuter Surgeries for Your Pet

Let’s talk about spay and neuter surgeries for your pet!  Spay and neuter surgeries are sometimes called getting your pet “fixed” and these are important surgeries usually performed when your dog or cat is under a year of age by your veterinary.

Having your dog or cat spayed or neutered has numerous health benefits.  For female (girl) dogs and cats, spaying reduces the risk of mammary cancer (breast cancer). It also helps prevent uterine infections (pyometra) and ovarian cancer. For male (boy) dogs and cats, neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and reduces the likelihood of prostate problems. These procedures can also help decrease the incidence of certain hormone-related health issues, contributing to a longer, healthier life for your pet!

Spaying and neutering can lead to improved behavior in some dogs and cats too!  Males who are neutered are often less aggressive, tend not to urinate on furniture as much (marking), and because they don’t have the hormones telling them to go find a lady; neutering also reduces roaming tendencies (leaving the yard or running away). Spayed female (girl) dogs and cats don’t go into heat (have their period or cycle) which means no bleeding and a much cleaner couch!  They also tend to be less moody since their hormones aren’t changing as much.  And of course, no risk of unexpected and unwanted kittens or puppies! Overall, dogs and cats that have been spayed or neutered tend to be calmer and more focused on their human families.

Pet overpopulation (unwanted kittens or puppies) is a serious issue, leading to millions of animals ending up in shelters each year, many of which are euthanized due to a lack of homes. By spaying and neutering your pets, you help prevent more dogs and cats in shelters and save lives!

Although most dogs and cats are spayed or neutered around 5-6 months of age, there is no exact right or wrong time for every pet.  When should your pet get spayed or neutered?  That depends on the breed, size, and lifestyle of your dog or cat.  Your veterinarian can help you determine when the best time is to have surgery for your pet.  Call PetMed Animal Health Center today and our veterinary team will be happy to help!