Why Should I Spay or Neuter My Pet?
January 2, 2015
Hi Everyone,
So I see a ton of puppies and kittens. I mean, it’s the best! I secretly went to vet school solely to play with the kittens and puppies all day.
This goes without saying, I love every aspect of my job, but for sure the puppies and kittens are my favorite. I do have a soft spot for the super elderly greying ancient pets that come hobbling through my doors (they make me melt too). Who am I kidding? They all make me melt!
A very common topic I discuss with my clients are spaying and neutering their pets. They always ask me when is the best age to do so and is it necessary? My answer to this is…ASAP and yes it is. The earliest age that I will spay or neuter my patients is 4 months. Most of my clients want to wait until their pets are 6 months old, which is fine as well. You want to spay your female pet before their first period (heat cycle) which can be as early as 8 months and neuter the males before they start exhibiting “mature” behaviors (marking their territory, aggression, the urge to roam, and humping).
Why should I spay or neuter my pet?
By spaying or neutering your pet, you can help them live a happier, healthier, and longer life. Spaying eliminates the constant crying and nervous pacing of a female cat in heat. Spaying a female dog also eliminates the messiness associated with the heat cycle.
Neutering of male dogs and cats can prevent undesirable sexual behaviors, such as urine marking, humping, male aggression and the urge to roam. With multiple male pets, they will generally get along better if they are neutered.
A long-term benefit is improved health for both cats and dogs. Spaying females prior to their first heat cycle nearly eliminates the risk of breast cancer and prevents uterine infections and uterine cancer. Neutering males prevents testicular cancer and enlargement of the prostate gland, and greatly reduces their risk for perianal tumors. Last week I performed an emergency spay on a female dog who had an infection of her uterus.
I am a huge advocate of spaying and neutering your pets. I believe they become less stressed and protected from added health problems as they age. My goal is to have my patients live the best, healthiest, and longest lives and spaying and neutering plays a crucial part.
I would love to hear your comments and feedback.
