Why Should I Spay or Neuter My Pet?

You have probably heard people talking about spaying or neutering their pets. You may also wonder, “why should I spay or neuter my pet?”

Spaying or neutering procedures offer both health benefits for your pet and help to control pet homelessness.

 But first, what does spay and neuter mean?

What is it?

Spaying is the act of removing the ovaries and uterus from your female pet. This process needs minimal hospitalization. Neutering is the act of removing the testicles from your male pet. These procedures are done by a veterinarian and will prevent your pet from reproducing.

You should communicate with Dr. Jessy at the HART Bredel Veterinary Clinic to find out the best time to spay or neuter your pet. Most pets are spayed or neutered at a seemingly young age, but older pets can also be spayed or neutered.

During the Surgery

Your pet will not feel pain during the surgery. Pets are put under anesthesia and their vitals are monitored. The actual details of the procedure will depend on the age and size of your pet, but in many cases, your pet can come home the same day. Some pets may need to stay overnight for further monitoring.

Benefits

Females:

·      Spaying can help prevent mammary tumors and uterine infections in your pet. Spaying before the first heat can protect from these diseases and help your pet live a long and healthy life

·      Spaying prevents females from going into heat

Males:

·      Neutering can help prevent prostate issues and testicular cancer in your pet

·      Neutering prevents running away or wandering (when the male would typically be looking to find a mate)

·      Neutering helps to prevent males from urinating to mark their territory

·      Neutering may help aggression

Spaying or neutering is also affordable: The cost can be around $200-$300 or there are discounted spaying/neutering programs and clinics.

After the Surgery

If you have ever been under anesthesia, you know that after your surgery you feel confused and sleepy. Your pet will feel the same. Some animals will be up and around after the surgery; however, it is important to limit your pet’s activity level and keep him or her inside for a few days afterwards. It is also important to keep an eye on his or her incision to make sure it is healing properly. If you see redness, swelling, or it seems like the stitches may come out, contact HART.

The Bigger Picture

When owners do not spay or neuter their animals, we end up with the significant problem of stray and homeless animals. With cats alone, it is estimated that 80% of cats that come into the local animal shelter are strays. Stray or homeless pets are more vulnerable to danger, disease, and quickly spread disease. Although shelters do their best to take care of animals that come in, it is hard to keep so many strays. 

Even if your pet is an inside-animal most of the time, it’s nature’s way and he or she can still get loose (or have a visitor) to contribute to more puppies or kittens being born. Spaying or neutering your pet is the responsible thing you can do as a pet owner.  As Bob Barker famously said on the gameshow series The Price is Right, “Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered.”

Please call Bredel Veterinary Clinic at HART to determine the best age to spay or neuter your pet and take an active role in your pet’s health and in our community.