Many pet owners choose to spay or neuter their pets. Pet overpopulation is just one reason spaying and neutering are recommended by this office and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA.) Continue reading to learn more about why you should spay or neuter your pet.
Why Spay or Neuter Your Pet?
According to the AVMA, millions of unwanted dogs and cats are euthanized every year. This includes puppies and kittens. You can make a difference in this sad situation. When you have your dog or cat sterilized, you are doing your part to prevent the birth of unwanted puppies and kittens.
However, preventing unwanted litters isn’t the only reason to spay or neuter your pet. These procedures also help protect against health problems and may reduce behavioral issues related to the mating instinct.
Here are some specific benefits of spaying or neutering
- Females
- Prevents unexpected pregnancies
- Prevents the heat cycle and spotting
- Protects against mammary tumors
- Protects against uterine infections
- Males
- Reduces roaming tendencies
- Lowers risk of testicular tumors
- Lowers risk of prostate problems
Spaying and neutering do not affect your pet’s intelligence or ability to learn, play, work or hunt. Some pets are better behaved following removal of their ovaries or testes, making them even more fun to be around!
What organs are removed during surgical sterilization?
Spaying involves removing the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus from a female dog or cat. This makes her unable to reproduce and eliminates her heat cycle. It also ends behaviors related to the breeding instinct.
Neutering involves removing the testes from a male dog or cat. This makes him unable to reproduce. It also reduces or eliminates male breeding behaviors.
What are the risks of spaying or neutering my pet?
According to the AVMA, even though there are many good reasons to spay or neuter your pet, removing the organs that produce reproductive hormones can affect your pet’s health. The absence of these hormones can increase the risk of health problems such as urinary incontinence and some types of cancer. Feel free to talk to us about the benefits and risks of sterilization so you can make an informed decision.
Spaying and neutering are major surgical procedures. There is always some level of risk for any major surgery. Therefore, sterilization does involve some chance for anesthetic or surgical complication. Rest assured, the overall rate of problems is very low. We at Lincoln Square Animal Hospital have performed thousands of these procedures. We strive to provide top-quality care during every procedure we perform.
Before performing any procedure, we will complete a thorough physical examination. We will also do bloodwork to ensure that your pet is in good health.
Pain control is a primary concern for surgical procedures at Lincoln Square Animal Hospital. We use some combination of opioid, non-steroidal, steroidal and nerve-blocking pain medications in all procedures that require surgical incision. General anesthesia is administered, the patient is intubated, and anesthesia is maintained using high-quality inhalants. Again, your pet has our full care and attention for any procedure performed.
When Is the Right Time to Spay or Neuter My Pet?
Consult with one of our veterinarians and staff about the most appropriate time to spay or neuter your pet. This decision may be based upon breed, age, and physical condition. And despite what you may have heard or read, waiting until your female dog or cat has gone through her first heat cycle may NOT be the best choice.
Want More Information on Pet Spay & Neutering? Check out the links below:
https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/spay-and-neutering-dogs-101-everything-you-need-know
https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/evr_determining_best_age_to_spay_or_neuter
https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Low-cost-spay-neuter.aspx
+ References
Spaying & Neutering – American Veterinary Medical Association, retrieved from https://ebusiness.avma.org/files/productdownloads/LR_COM_ClientBroch_SpayNeuterBrochure_010816.pdf
