Spay & Neuter | West Ridge Animal Health Center

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spay & neuter

A compassionate and healthy choice.

why should I spay or neuter my pet?

West Ridge Animal Health Center recommends spaying and neutering pets for several compelling reasons. Spaying, the removal of a female’s reproductive organs, and neutering, the removal of a male’s testicles, prevent unwanted pregnancies, reducing the burden of finding homes for puppies or kittens and avoiding potential pregnancy-related veterinary costs. Spaying female pets significantly lowers the risk of uterus infections and breast cancer, which is seven times more likely in unspayed dogs, with 50% of cases being malignant. Neutering male pets reduces the incidence of testicular and prostate diseases and decreases territorial marking and aggression. Additionally, spayed and neutered pets are less likely to wander in search of a mate, reducing the risk of dangerous situations.

when should pets be spayed or neutered?

Choosing the appropriate age to neuter or spay your pet can depend on many factors, including the breed, behavioral indicators related to sexual maturities, such as spraying, aggression, etc., and what is most convenient for your lifestyle. If a female pet is at risk of becoming pregnant due to living near a pet of the opposite sex, you might want to consider spaying sooner than later. Large dog breeds, on the other hand, might benefit from spaying or neutering at around a year of age, as this can lessen their risk of developing some cancers.

At West Ridge Animal Health Center, we believe that the most important aspect of spaying and neutering is the comfort, safety, and well-being of your pet. We take every precaution to ensure their safety during the procedure by including pre-operative lab work, intravenous catheterization, and anesthetic monitoring. Pain medications are administered prior to surgery, and medication is prescribed for post-surgery pain relief. We hope this page has given you some helpful information about spaying and neutering. If you have more questions, please feel free to call us. Our knowledgeable staff would be happy to help you.