At Veterinary Medical Center of Easton,
we take a
PERSONALIZED APPROACH
to our pet spay and neuter recommendations. Cats and small and medium-sized dogs can often undergo surgery at 6-8 months of age, but large and extra-large dog breeds need to wait until at least 12 months of age.
Every dog and cat deserves personalized treatment, especially when it comes to something as important as their spay/neuter surgery. Deciding when to perform the procedure depends on several factors, including your pet’s medical history, age, size, and breed.
The Benefits of Cat and Dog Spay and Neuter Surgeries
Pets can benefit in a number of ways from being spayed/neutered. Our goal with the procedures is to give our patients longer, healthier lives.
Some of the most important benefits of spaying and neutering include:
Eliminating the Heat Cycle in Females
While it is natural for female dogs and cats to go into heat, this period can be uncomfortable for them, and cause them to attract unwanted attention from male dogs or cats. By spaying your pet, they no longer have to experience their heat cycle and the discomfort that comes with it.
Improvements in Behavior
Spaying and neutering cannot alter the personalities of pets, but it can reduce or eliminate unwanted behaviors such as mounting, aggressiveness, spraying, and roaming. These behaviors can be destructive and a hassle to deal with and reducing them will result in a more peaceful and harmonious bond with your pet.
Pet Homelessness and Overpopulation
Millions of cats and dogs end up in shelters every year due to overpopulation. Spaying and neutering animals is the only way to control overpopulation and reduce crowding in shelters. Most importantly, spaying and neutering can save lives by preventing many animals from having to be euthanized.
Healthier, Happier Pets
Our veterinarians generally recommend cat and dog spay and neuter procedures because their benefits significantly outweigh their risks. Dogs and cats that are not “fixed” are more at risk for reproductive infections and cancers. Common disease risks in female dogs and cats include pyometra, a dangerous infection of the uterus, and mammary gland tumors. Male dogs and cats can also experience life-threatening health issues if they are not neutered, such as an enlarged prostate or testicular cancer. While no procedure is absolutely guaranteed to prevent cancer completely, spay and neuter surgeries are the best curative options available.
