There are numerous, compelling reasons why West Ridge Animal Health Center recommends you spay and neuter your pet. Spaying is the term for removal of a female’s reproductive organs, the ovaries, and uterus. Neutering is the removal of a male’s reproductive organs, the testicles. Spaying your female pet prevents unwanted pregnancies, which unless you’re a professional breeder, means you’re left with the challenging task of finding homes for puppies or kittens. You might also be saddled with unwanted vet fees, should complications from pregnancy occur.
Another advantage to spaying your dog or cat is that it lowers the risk of uterus infections and breast cancer. Breast cancer is more prevalent in female dogs that have not been spayed. In fact, it is 7 times more likely to occur. And sadly, 50% of breast cancer cases in female dogs are malignant. Uterine infection is a serious affliction for female pets that can often be life threatening and require surgery. In males, neutering lowers the incidence of testicular and prostate diseases. Neutering also lessens the territorial marking behavior of urinating on everything. Pets that have not been spayed or neutered can be aggressive toward other animals and humans and can wander away from home looking for a mate, putting them in dangerous circumstances.
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.
