Why spaying and neutering your pet will help your pet live a longer and healthier life.

In addition to preventing unwanted pregnancy, spaying and neutering pets provides many health benefits.

Spaying females

Spaying your pet before their first heat, which typically occurs around 6-8 months of age for dogs and 4-9 months of age for cats, can decrease their chance of developing mammary tumors and eliminate the risk of pyometra, a life-threatening infection of the uterus. Mammary tumors are relatively common in pets, and they are 50% malignant in dogs and 90% malignant in cats. It is highly recommended to consider spaying your pet as a preventive measure against these health concerns. A veterinarian can help you decide the best time to spay your pet based on their individual needs and circumstances.

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Neutering Males

One of the primary advantages of neutering is the prevention of health issues such as perineal hernias, perineal masses, testicular cancer, and prostatitis. Perineal hernias occur when the muscles around the rectum weaken, causing it to bulge out into the perineal area, making defecation difficult. Perineal masses are abnormal growths that appear in the perineal area, which can be benign or malignant. Testicular cancer is a relatively common cancer in male dogs that causes swelling and pain in the testicles. Prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate gland, causing a range of urinary symptoms, including bloody urine. Neutering involves the removal of the testicles, which reduces the production of testosterone and lowers the risk of these conditions. Consulting with a veterinarian can help you determine if neutering is the right choice for your pet.

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Behavior

In addition to the health benefits, spaying or neutering your pet can also have positive effects on their behavior. It can reduce unwanted behaviors such as mounting, urine marking, wandering, and fighting, which can help keep them safer and healthier. Wandering pets are at higher risk of being hit by a car and involved in dog fights, which can lead to severe injuries and even death. Male cats that are not neutered can develop a strong, pungent urine odor and may start spraying as early as 6 months of age. Neutering male dogs before the age of two can also help to reduce aggression concerns.

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Please speak to one of our staff members or go online today to schedule your pet's surgery appointment. We can safely spay/neuter your pet as early as 8 weeks of age and at least weighing 2 lbs. We always recommend having a discussion on when to spay/neuter your pet with your regular veterinarian.

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