Whether to spay or neuter your pet may be one of the first major medical decisions you make for your new furry family member. In addition to helping control the pet population, spaying and neutering can minimize certain undesirable behaviors and help make your dog or cat a better pet and family member. Sterilization surgeries also help prevent and/or reduce the risk of certain serious diseases, such as pyometra, a life-threatening uterine infection. At Long Lake Animal Hospital, we’ll be glad to sit down with you and discuss your pet’s spay or neuter surgery and let you know what to expect following their surgery.
Have any questions about spaying or neutering your pet? Need to schedule an appointment? Call us at (248) 689-8899 or make an appointment online.
How Does My Pet Personally Benefit from Spay/Neuter Surgery?
Every pet is different, yet there are many potential health benefits of sterilization surgery. For males and females, the following benefits from spay and neuter surgery may include:
- No unwanted pregnancies
- Elimination of twice-yearly heat cycles
- Significantly decreased risk of mammary cancer
- Avoidance of a pyometra, a serious and life-threatening uterine infection that is quite common in older female dogs and cats
- A potentially longer lifespan
- Less likely to roam in search of a mate and sustain related injuries
- Significant decrease and/or elimination of undesirable urinary behaviors such as urine marking or spraying
- Potential decrease in undesirable territory-related behaviors including certain displays of aggression
- Eliminates the risk of developing testicular cancer
- Significant decrease in certain prostatic diseases such as prostatitis
- Much less likely to develop an enlarged prostate
At What Age Should My Pet be Spayed or Neutered?
While there is no definitive answer to this question, our veterinarians are up to speed on all the latest research and studies around the potential implications of spaying or neutering a pet at different ages. They will assess your pet’s breed, lifestyle, and your family’s needs and wishes to make the best recommendation for your pet. For cats, we generally recommend spaying or neutering around 4-6 months, and for many dogs the most commonly elected time is still 6-8 months of age, but in certain breeds and individuals we may recommend delaying the surgery until full maturity. We look forward to carefully evaluating and discussing your pet’s individual situation.
Your veterinarian will be able to help you choose the best time to spay or neuter your pet based on their condition and health history. If you need to consult with them about your pet’s spay/neuter and what to expect, please call us at (248) 689-8899.