What is spaying and neutering?
Spaying and neutering is the removal of your pets reproductive organs to prevent them from reproducing as well as preventing certain kinds of cancers. Spaying is the procedure for females while neutering is the procedure for males.
Why should I have my pet spayed or neutered?
Spaying and neutering is an important part of your pet's health care for two main reasons. First, it helps to prevent them from certain types of cancers, such as mammary cancer in females and prostate and testicular cancer in males. Second, it prevents your pet from reproducing, which can save you the time and money from caring for puppies and kittens. As cute as these babies can be, they take up a lot of resources, time, and money. Additionally, reducing the number of unexpected puppies and kittens keeps animal shelters from overflowing and prevents unwanted animals from entering shelters in the first place. If you’re interested in keeping puppies or kittens year-round, consider becoming a foster parent by contacting your local shelter for additional information!
When should I get my pet spayed or neutered?
At Angels of Assisi, they spay and neuter pets as young as 8 weeks and two pounds. Generally, you should discuss your spay or neuter plan with your veterinarian, as different breeds and circumstances such as pre-existing conditions can affect when it’s safest for your pet to be fixed. Your vet will work with you to establish the best time to get your furever friend spayed or neutered. The recovery process for spay and neuter takes around 2 weeks, during which your pet should be kept calm and their incision should be kept clean (this may require the cone of shame, but only for a little while!). Generally, they’ll be a little lethargic at first, but should be kept comfortable and will return to their happy, healthy selves in no time!
What if I don’t want to spay or neuter my pet?
Choosing not to spay or neuter your pet can leave them being more susceptible to different cancers. It also means they are able to reproduce, and if they are a master escape artist or are allowed outside, they may return home with an expensive surprise for you.
Resources
If you have a pet that needs to be spayed or neutered, contact your local veterinary office to schedule an appointment.
For additional information about spaying and neutering, visit these resources: