Responsible Pet Ownership: Information You Should Have Before Spaying or Neutering Your Pet

There is a lot for new pet parents to do. It can be challenging to ensure you’re taking every step to keep your pet happy and healthy, from identifying the best diet to feed your animal to ensuring they have their vaccinations on time. A critical step in this procedure is visiting your local veterinarian or animal clinic to have your furry companion spayed or neutered, and our friends at the Animal League Wellness Center are here to assist you.

Neuter vs. Spay

The term “spay” or “neuter” refers to the animal’s gender. Both terms refer to an animal’s surgical sterilization, but neuter is occasionally used synonymously with the neuter. Spaying extracts the uterus and ovaries from female animals, while neutering removes the testicles from male animals. This approach prevents your animal from reproducing and contributes to preventing pet overpopulation. If you already have a vet, visit their website to learn if they can perform this procedure. 

Why should I neuter or spay my pet?

Spaying or neutering your pet benefits both you and your pet. According to the ASPCA, animals that have been spayed or neutered are frequently less aggressive since their mate-seeking instinct has been removed. Numerous unwanted habits, like fighting, roaming, spraying, and weeping, will disappear following surgery, and the majority of pets will become even more devoted toward their owners. Additionally, spaying females reduces the chance of breast cancer and eliminates uterine infections and cancer, while neutering males decreases the risk of testicular cancer and prostate diseases.

 

Everybody enjoys cuddly puppies and kittens. Why would the world be content with less? The reality is that there are only a limited number of people who wish for a pet, and most animal shelters are already overcrowded. By spaying or neutering your pet, you contribute to the reduction of shelter overcrowding and provide an opportunity for other animals to find their forever homes.

When should I neuter or spay my pet?

Consult an animal hospital and veterinarian to determine the optimal time to spay or neuter your pet. According to the ASPCA, puppies are often spayed or neutered between the ages of six and nine months but can be as youthful as eight weeks if your doctor deems them healthy. Cats are routinely spayed or neutered between the ages of eight and five months. Visit parkanimalhospitalsimi.com to learn more about additional procedures that can be performed to ensure your pets wellness. 

What to expect following your pet’s neutering?

In the residual scrotal sac, a trace of bloody fluid may accumulate. While this usually resolves spontaneously within two weeks, a second surgery may be required in rare circumstances where much fluid collects. Consult your vet if you bear any concerns. Although diarrhea and vomiting are infrequent postoperative symptoms, they may necessitate a visit to an emergency veterinarian.

Conclusion

Spaying and neutering are integral parts of responsible dog ownership. Not only would neutering reduce your dog’s risk of catching diseases such as testicular cancer and contribute to maintaining a healthy dog population, but it will also decrease your dog’s likelihood of developing undesirable behaviors such as excessive marking, roaming, and aggression. If you have any further concerns, consult your veterinarian for information specific to your dog.

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