New pet parents often wonder if they should have their puppies or kittens spayed or neutered. There are several advantages to having our vets in Ceres perform this common procedure.
What is spaying and neutering?
Surgical sterilization of an animal under general anesthesia is known as spaying or neutering.
Technically referred to as an ovariohysterectomy, spaying is the surgical procedure for female animals that removes a female's reproductive organs.
Neutering, or orchiectomy, removes a male pet's testicles and is considered a simpler surgery than a spay. In some cases, the term 'neutering' can also refer to the 'fixing' or desexing of either gender.
Your vet can perform the procedure at our spay and neuter clinic in Ceres.
Benefits For Cats
Key benefits of spaying or neutering your cat include:
- It curbs naughty behaviors, like spraying to mark territory.
- Neutered cats are less likely to stray from home.
- It may decrease the risk of mammary (breast) cancer.
- It decreases the risk of uterine infection in female cats.
- It reduces the risk of your cat contracting certain diseases.
- .Your cat may become more affectionate.
Benefits For Dogs
Key benefits of spaying or neutering your dog include:
- It reduces the risk of prostate and other cancers.
- It can reduce sexualized behaviors.
- It reduces marking and spraying issues.
- It reduces the urge to mate.
- It stabilizes a dog's mood.
Spaying & Neutering FAQs
- When should I have my pet spayed? What age?
Ask your veterinarian about the best age to spay or neuter your dog or cat. Some research indicates there may be long-term health benefits to spaying or neutering dogs after they have passed through puberty.
Numerous veterinary professionals recommend spaying female animals before their first eat, which may occur as early as 5 months of age. However, increasing evidence suggests this is too young as the animal will not have fully developed and grown yet.
- What should I know about the recovery process for my pet?
SPAYING Following spay surgery, some clinics will want to keep your cat or dog overnight, while others will let her go home on the same day. Generally, your pet's activity should be restricted for 7 to 10 days.
NEUTERING If there are no complications or other health issues, your dog or cat can usually go home on the same day of the procedure. While the incision heals, activity will need to be restricted for a few days.
For both procedures, your pet may be sent home with a protective collar to prevent him or her from licking the incision.
A follow-up visit will typically have the vet checking on how well your pet has healed. Stitches will also be removed at this time.
- Will my pet feel anything during the procedure?
No. Since your pet will be under general anesthesia, he or she will not feel anything during the procedure.
- Will my pet gain weight after the procedure?
Your kitten or puppy will keep growing to their full adult weight after their spay or neuter procedure. Naturally, this includes some weight gain.
However, your pet should not gain weight as a direct result of being spayed or neutered.
New Patients Always Welcome
American Pet Clinic is accepting new patients! Get in touch today to book your pet's first appointment.