By spaying or neutering your pet, you’ll help control the pet homelessness crisis. Millions of healthy dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States each year simply because there aren’t enough homes to go around. There are also medical and behavioral benefits to spaying (female pets) and neutering (male pets). Show Here are some of the medical benefits:
And behavioral benefits:
Spaying/neutering your pets is also highly cost-effective. The cost of your pet's spay/neuter surgery is far less than the cost of having and caring for a litter. Debunking Spay/Neuter Myths and Misconceptions
When to Spay or Neuter Your Pet
Talk to your veterinarian to determine the best time to spay or neuter your pet. Helping Your Pet Before and After Surgery Your veterinary clinic will provide pre-surgical advice that you should follow. In general, avoid giving your adult dog or cat any food after midnight the night before surgery. A puppy or kitten, however, needs adequate nutrition, and your veterinarian may advise that food not be withheld. Your veterinarian can also provide post-operative instructions for you to follow. Although your pet may experience some discomfort after surgery, your veterinarian can take measures to control pain. Depending on the procedure performed, medication for pain may be sent home with your pet. Here are tips for a safe and comfortable recovery:
If you notice any redness, swelling or discharge at the surgery site, or if the incision is open, please contact your veterinarian. Also call your veterinarian if your pet is lethargic, has a decreased appetite, is vomiting or has diarrhea or any other concerns following surgery. Please visit our Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Programs page to find spay/neuter options in your area. What is the best age to spay a female dog?An age of six to nine months of age may be appropriate for neutering or spaying a toy breed puppy or small breed puppy but a larger or giant breed may need to wait until they are near or over 12-18 months of age.
Should you let a female dog go into heat before spaying?Q: Should I let my dog have a heat before I spay her? A: Medically, it's better to spay your dog before their first heat. It greatly reduces the risk of mammary tumors. People who wait to spay their dogs until after their second heat greatly increase the risk of mammary tumors in their pets.
How long after a female dog is in heat can she be spayed?Vets will typically not recommend spaying while your dog is in heat. More blood flows to the affected area during this time, and that can complicate the surgery. Your vet might want to wait two to three months after your dog's heat cycle to spay.
Can you spay a female dog too early?Spaying your dog too early can result in health problems later on since her hormones should have some time to work. Early spaying can increase the risk of hip dysplasia, torn ligaments, bone cancer, and urinary incontinence.
|