Spaying and neutering can help prevent serious health problems for your pet and allow him or her to live a longer and healthier life. At Clearwater Animal Clinic in Clearwater, FL, we provide spaying and neutering and will ensure that your cat or dog is comfortable during the entire procedure. You can read about some frequently asked questions regarding spaying and neutering below:
What is spaying?
Spaying is the surgical sterilization of a female animal. During the surgery, the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus are removed, which eliminates the heat cycle and the ability to reproduce.
What is neutering?
Neutering involves removing the tests in a male animal, which prevents reproduction and eliminates unwanted breeding behaviors.
At what age should your pet be spayed or neutered?
Cats and dogs can be spayed or neutered once they are six to eight weeks old. However, our veterinarian may recommend to perform the procedures once your pet is 6 months old.
What are the benefits of spaying and neutering a pet?
In addition to restricting procreation and controlling the pet population, spaying and neutering provides a variety od additional benefits. The surgeries can reduce the reduces the risk of breast cancer in females and also eliminates the risk of uterine cancer. Neutering can prevent the possibility of testicular cancer in male dogs and reduces the chances of developing prostate disease.
Spaying and neutering has also shown to drastically reduce negative behaviors, such as spraying, yowling and crying, aggression, destruction of property, and mounting. The procedures can also help pets become friendlier and more affectionate after surgery.
What are the risks of spaying and neutering?
The risks of spaying and neutering your pet are low. However, it is considered a major surgery that utilizes anesthesia, so there is always a chance of complications. Your pet can develop hip dysplasia, lower metabolism, urinary tract issues, and not growing to full size. These issues may occur if the animal is spayed or neutered, which is why our vets recommend to wait until your cat or dog is 6 months old.
What should I do to keep my pet comfortable after surgery?
Your pet will be lethargic and sore after surgery. Once you bring your pet home, we recommend letting it rest in a comfortable place. Make sure that the space is warm, quiet, and dimly lit. Along with that, keep small children and other pets away and make your cat or dog has plenty of fresh water.
Contact us for an Appointment Today
If you have any questions about spaying or neutering, contact Clearwater Animal Hospital in Clearwater, FL, at (727) 584-1151 today. We are happy to provide you with additional details regarding the procedures and set you up with an appointment. Our team looks forward to improving your pet’s overall health!