What is spaying and neutering?
Both the spaying and neutering procedures describe the surgical sterilization of an animal while under the effects of general anesthesia.
Spaying is a surgical procedure for female animals. Technically known as an ovariohysterectomy, spaying removes a female's reproductive organs.
Neutering, also called an orchiectomy, is the removal of the testicles from male pets. This is considered a more simple surgery than a spay. The term "neutering" can also be used to refer to the desexing or "fixing" of either gender of animal.
Benefits For Cats
There are 6 key benefits of spaying or neutering your cat:
- Your cat may become more affectionate.
- It curbs naughty behaviors, like spraying to mark territory.
- It may decrease the risk of mammary (breast) cancer.
- Neutered cats are less likely to stray from home.
- It decreases the risk of uterine infection in female cats.
- It reduces the risk of your cat contracting certain diseases.
Benefits For Dogs
There are 5 key benefits of spaying or neutering your dog:
- It reduces the mating urge.
- It stabilizes the mood of the dog.
- It can reduce sexualized behaviors.
- It reduces the risk of prostate and other cancers.
- It reduces marking and spraying issues.
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), it's estimated that over 3 million cats enter the animal shelter system in the U.S. every year.
The absolute best way for you to help reduce the number of unwanted cats in Oak Grove 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 numbers of homeless cats to a minimum, you help to save the lives of countless birds and other wildlife.
Cat Neutering Benefits
The neutering of male cats can also help to curb a whole range of undesirable behaviors like spraying indoors round your house to make their territory. Some other behaviors it may curb include roaming, fighting with other cats and howling
Reducing your male cat's proclivity for fighting other cats will also reduce their risk of injury and of contracting 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 important to remember that female cats carrying infectious diseases may pass serious conditions on to their kittens who may then go on to spread diseases even further. The pregnancy and the birthing process may be both risky to young cats and expensive for their owners.
- Why should I get my dog spayed or neutered?
Population Control
According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), approximately 3.3 million dogs enter shelters every year across the USA.
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
The spaying of female dogs can help to prevent the development of very serious health issues down the road like pyometra and mammary cancer alongside preventing unwanted litters.
Dog Neutering Benefits
Neutering your male dogs help to prevent them from being at risk of developing testicular cancer. It may also help to curb troublesome behaviors like straying, hunting and aggression with other dogs.
- When should I have my pet spayed? What age?
Pets owners should always consult with their veterinarian to determine the best age to spay and neuter their dog or cat. Some research shows that there may be long-term health benefits for spaying or neutering dogs after they have had the chance to pass through puberty.
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.
After conducting either procedure, our vets may send your pet home with a protective collar to help prevent them from licking their incision site.
We will generally call to see how your pet is recovering or book a follow-up appointment once your pet has healed in cases where we need to remove 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?
Your puppy or kitten will continue to grow to their full adult weight after the spay or neuter procedure, and this naturally includes some weight gain.
However, your pet will not gain weight as a result of being spayed or neutered.