When should you spay or neuter a pet?

We get that question a lot. Our vets usually recommend spaying or neutering at one year of age to prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduce the risk of other health problems. Of course, there are exceptions to that rule, and our veterinarians will have an open discussion with you to decide on the best time to spay or neuter your dog or cat.

Why is this important?

Spaying your pet early on offers the best protection from diseases like uterine infections and breast tumors, malignant or cancerous, in about 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats. Neutering your male companion prevents testicular cancer and some prostate problems. Other added benefits include:

• Your female pet will not go into heat once it is spayed.
• Your male pet may better behave after the operation.
• Your male dog will be less likely to run away from home, as un-neutered dogs will do anything to find a mate.

What happens before the surgery?

Before your pet is spayed or neutered, our veterinarian will conduct an assessment of their health to ensure they are healthy enough to withstand a surgical procedure. If your pet is healthy, an appointment will be made for the procedure. You will need to leave your pet at our hospital for the surgery. Our staff will alert you about restrictions on food and water intake before the surgery date so you can prepare to have your cat or dog fast before their surgery time.

What happens after the surgery?

After your pet is altered, he/she will need a quiet place to rest. He/she may not want to eat or drink right away due to the anesthesia they were provided during the procedure. Make sure to check your pet’s incision daily and alert your veterinarian of any problems so that they can be treated quickly if needed. Your pet will need to wear a protective cone collar to prevent licking at the incision site.  Sometimes, sedatives are sent home for our more rambunctious pets.