Spay and Neuter
things to consider when choosing a vet
Spaying or Neutering Your Pet
The unfortunate reality is that more than four million pets are euthanized in U.S. animal shelters each year simply because they have no home. Many are puppies and kittens less than 6 months old.
Help stop this needless loss of life and keep your pet healthier by getting them spayed or neutered.
(Also, visit our AFTERCARE for SURGERY page. You can download the aftercare PDF as well.)
Though this surgery is very common, it is no less important to protect each patient while under anesthesia.
This means IV fluids to protect blood pressure levels. All anesthetic drugs reduce blood pressure and the kidneys are the first organ to be compromised.
IV fluids not only help keep blood pressure elevated to normal levels but also protect the kidneys as well.
Low-cost surgical centers often do not follow the same safety protocols due to costs.
There is a difference between how hospitals treat anesthesia as well.
See our anesthesia page for more information.
Common misconceptions
Spaying or neutering your pet does not:
- affect laziness or hyperactivity
- reduce the animal’s instinct to protect your family and home
- cause immature behaviors
- postpone or delay normal behavioral maturity
- alter personality in any manner
Spaying a female pet means the removal of the ovaries and uterus.
When is the best time to spay your pet? It depends. Smaller breed pets we often spay younger, around 6 months of age. Larger breeds, however, we are now trying to delay surgery until they are more fully through their growth phase.
There are benefits and risks to both early and delayed surgery. We will be happy to discuss the recommendations and tailor care to your specific pet.
Neutering a male pet means the removal of the testicles and spermatic cord.
Again, it depends. Younger surgery at about 6 months is ok for small breeds but larger breeds are now being neutered later to allow full growth prior to surgery. We are happy to talk to our clients and answer any questions about the best recommendations for each individual pet.
When to spay or neuter?
We are happy to discuss the best option for each individual patent.
There is always new information about the recommended timing of spay and neuter surgeries. Waiting longer in some dogs is preferred while earlier procedures are best in other patients.
We are now recognizing differences between breeds and how these surgeries affect them. We are happy to talk through all the options to help you come to the best decision for your individual pet.
Ask careful questions before making your choice.
We take safety seriously and want your pet to live a long healthy life. For more information visit Pet Care After Surgery.
Follow these links for information on:
