Every year, millions of unwanted pets are euthanized. By having your dog or cat spayed or neutered, it will prevent unwanted litters, protect them from some health issues, and may reduce many of the behavioral problems associated with the mating instinct. It will also make them less likely to roam, and more happy to stay at home.

Benefits of spaying and neutering

Spaying your female dog or cat can protect them from health problems such as uterine infections and breast tumors, which can be malignant or cancerous. Spaying them before their first heat is the best protection.

Neutering your male pet can also lessen its risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate gland) and testicular cancer.

Spaying or neutering your pet will not have any effect on your pet’s intelligence or ability to learn. In fact most pets will behave better after this procedure.

Are there any risks associated with spaying or neutering?

Reproductive hormones are what cause mating behaviors that many pet owners are not fond of, but these hormones also affect your pet’s overall health and can be beneficial. When you removing your pet’s ovaries or testes you remove these hormones, and that can result in increased risk of health problems. Some of those health problems are urinary incontinence and even some types of cancer.

Surgery

Spaying and neutering are major surgical procedures, but they are also the most common surgeries performed by veterinarians on cats and dogs. Like any surgical procedure, it is associated with some anesthetic and surgical risk, but the chance of complications is very low.

Before the procedure, your pet is given a thorough physical examination to ensure that he/she is in good health.  You will be given medications to minimize pain, as well as being asked to keep your pet calm for a few days after surgery as they heal.

Recovery

It is a good idea to have a quiet place for your dog or cat to recover inside and away from other animals.  You should keep your pet from running around and being too active for about 2 weeks, or whatever time frame your vet suggests.  Don’t let your dog or cat lick the incision site. Doing this can cause infection.  Try not to bathe your pet for around 10 days after surgery.

You will need to check the incision every day to make sure that there is not any redness, swelling or discharge. You will need to contact your vet as soon as possible if you notice any of those things, as well as if they are lethargic, have decreased appetite, are vomiting or have diarrhea.

As always it is best to speak with your vet as to what is best for you and the health of your pet.

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photo credit: The blond Sleepy Dog, Let me Sleep! – 20160623 via photopin (license)