What are spaying and neutering?
The surgical sterilization of an animal under general anesthesia is referred to as spaying or neutering.
Spaying is a surgical operation that is performed on female animals. Spaying, also known as an ovariohysterectomy, is the surgical removal of a female's reproductive organs.
Neutering, also known as orchiectomy, removes the testicles from male pets and is considered a less invasive procedure than spaying.
In rare circumstances, the phrase "neutering" can also apply to the desexing or "fixing" of any gender.
Benefits For Cats
There are 6 key benefits of spaying or neutering your cat:
- It curbs naughty behaviors, like spraying to mark territory.
- Your cat may become more affectionate.
- It reduces the risk of your cat contracting certain diseases.
- 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.
Benefits For Dogs
There are 5 key benefits of spaying or neutering your dog:
- It can reduce sexualized behaviors.
- It reduces the risk of prostate and other cancers.
- It stabilizes the mood of the dog.
- It reduces marking and spraying issues.
- It reduces the mating urge.
Spaying & Neutering FAQs
- Why should I get my cat spayed or neutered?
Population Control
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), over 3.2 million cats are admitted to animal shelters in the United States each year.
The absolute best way for you to help reduce the number of unwanted cats in Concord area shelters is by spaying or neutering your feline friend.
Protect Wildlife
It is estimated that cats in the USA kill between 1.4 billion and 3.7 billion birds every year. By helping to keep the number of homeless cats to a minimum, you help to save the lives of countless birds and other wildlife.
Cat Neutering Benefits
Male cat neutering can help to reduce a variety of unpleasant cat habits, including spraying within and around your home to mark territory, wandering, howling, and fighting with other untreated male cats.
Reducing your cat's desire to fight may minimize their risk of damage as well as the transmission of Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and Feline leukemia virus (FeLV).
Cat Spaying Benefits
Female cat spaying before the first heat cycle can help to reduce your cat's risk of developing pyometra (infection of the womb) and mammary tumors.
It's also worth noting that female cats with infectious illnesses can transmit the sickness on to their kittens, who can then spread the disease even further.
The pregnancy and the birth process can be risky for young cats, and costly to their owners.
- Why should I get my dog spayed or neutered?
Population Control
The ASPCA reveals that about 3.3 million dogs enter shelters every year across the U.S.
Spaying or neutering your dog is the best way for you to help reduce the overall number of unplanned puppies each year while improving your pet's behavior and reducing their risk of some serious health conditions.
Dog Spaying Benefits
Female dog spaying can help avoid major health issues including pyometra (a potentially fatal uterine infection) and breast cancer.
Dog Neutering Benefits
Male dog neutering helps to prevent your pet from developing testicular cancer and can also help reduce unwanted behaviors such as dog aggression, straying and humping.
- When should I have my pet spayed? What age?
To decide the ideal age to spay or neuter their cat or dog, pet owners should contact with their veterinarian. Some evidence suggests that spaying or neutering dogs after adolescence may provide long-term health advantages.
Many veterinary professionals recommend that female animals be spayed before their first heat, which can occur as early as 5 months of age. However, there is increasing evidence that this is too young as the animals have not been allowed to fully develop and grow.
- What should I know about the recovery process for my pet?
Spaying
After spay surgery, some clinics will want to keep your cat or dog overnight, while others will let her go home on the same day. The rule of thumb is generally 7-10 days of restricted activity.
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, with activity restricted for a few days while the incision heals.
We may send your pet home with a protective collar for both treatments to prevent it from licking the incision.
We typically book a follow-up visit to check on how well your pet has healed and to remove the stitches.
- Will my pet feel anything during the procedure?
No, your pet will be under general anesthesia, and will not feel anything during the procedure.
- Will my pet gain weight after the procedure?
After the spay or neuter surgery, your puppy or kitten will continue to develop to their full adult weight, which will include some weight gain.
However, your pet will not gain weight as a result of being spayed or neutered.
- Is this service part of your Pet Wellness Plans?
Spay/neuter services are not included in Wellness Plans because they are one-time procedures.
However, if your pet is on a Wellness Plan, you qualify for 10% off the spay/neuter procedure.