Spay and neuter procedures are commonly performed in the vet office that can prevent your pet from reproducing. While cats as young as eight weeks can be spayed or neutered, it is usually best to wait until dogs are between six and nine months of age.
Why Should You Spay and Neuter Your Pets?
Spaying and neutering can help control the population of dogs and cats, which reduces the number of pets waiting for adoption. But population control is not the only reason to consider spaying or neutering your pet. There are also several medical and behavioral benefits as well. Spaying your female pet can help to lower their risk of certain cancers and prevent menstruation. Neutered males will have a lower chance of prostate problems and testicular cancer. Both types of procedures can also help behavioral concerns such as territory marking, aggressiveness, anxiousness, and the tendency to roam away from home.
Procedures
The spaying and neutering process has become significantly refined over the years, making it a common and safe procedure with relatively few possible complications. When a female is spayed, they will be put under general anesthesia, so they are asleep throughout the process. During the procedure, the vet will shave their stomach and make an incision. Through this incision, they will remove their uterus and ovaries, which will prevent reproduction and reduce possible reproductive-related complications. They will then suture the area and bandage it. With neutering, your vet may use general anesthesia or intramuscular sedation. Your pet will be shaved, and an incision will be made where the testicle will be removed. The vet will then suture the area.
Your pet will need to take it easy over the next ten days until their stitches or staples are removed. This means no exercise that could break the stitches open. You will also want to keep their incisions clean and monitor them for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus at the incision site. You will need to keep your dog from licking their wound as it could lead to infection. If you are having problems keeping your pet away from the area, ask your vet for a neck cone.
Contact us to schedule your pet’s spay or neuter procedure!
If you have more questions about the spaying and neutering process or would like to schedule an appointment, contact Green River Veterinary Services. Our experienced veterinary staff can answer any questions you may have and walk you through the entire process.
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