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When & Why You Should Have Your Pet Spayed or Neutered

Spaying or neutering your pet protects its health and extends its lifespan. The procedure also eliminates the risk of unwanted puppies or kittens, and can eliminate behavioral issues like aggression and spraying. If your pet isn’t yet spayed or neutered, you should contact your veterinarian to discuss when and why you should schedule the procedure.

Benefits of Spaying & Neutering

If you haven’t had your pet spayed or neutered yet, take a look at the benefits:

  • Prevent unwanted puppies and kittens.
  • Avoid unnecessary stress and strain put on your pet by pregnancy.
  • Avoid the financial and emotional toll associated with an unwanted pet pregnancy.
  • Prevent testicular, ovarian, and uterine cancer.
  • Reduce the risk of uterine infections.
  • Prevent behavioral issues like spraying, marking territory, yowling, humping, and aggression.
  • Reduce the risk of your pet roaming or escaping your home in search of a mate.
  • Reduce the risk of your pet getting into fights with other animals over mating. 
  • Prevent injuries, illnesses, and diseases associated with roaming in search of a mate.

When You Should Schedule the Procedure 

When you should have your pet spayed or neutered depends on its overall health, weight, breed, and age. In general, the guidelines are:

  • Cats should be spayed or neutered before they are 5 months old.
  • Female dogs should be spayed before they are 5 months old.
  • Male dogs should be neutered before they are 5 months old. 
  • Giant breed male dogs should be neutered between 12-15 months of age.
  • Shelter animals should be spayed or neutered before adoption, as early as 6-8 weeks old.
  • Stray cats should be spayed or neutered at any age after 6-8 weeks old. 

What to Expect After the Procedure

Make sure you fully understand your veterinarian’s post-surgery instructions for your cat or dog. Give your pet a clean, safe, and quiet place to recover indoors and away from other animals. Try to keep them from running, playing, and jumping for around two weeks after surgery. Make sure your pet doesn’t lick the incision site. Don’t give your pet a bath for at least 10 days. Check the incision site regularly to make sure it heals properly.

Make an appointment with your veterinarian today to discuss spaying or neutering your pet.