Neutering and spaying refer to the surgical removal of the reproductive organs in female and male animals. This method of contraception will also prevent certain diseases in the pet’s reproductive system, which is why it is worth considering.
There are many reasons to spay or neuter your pet, such as preventing unwanted puppies or kittens and avoiding other behavioural or health concerns down the road.
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association endorses early (or juvenile) neutering and spaying. Most cats and dogs can reproduce by six months of age, though some can reach this milestone as young as four months of age. Surgical procedures at a spay and neuter clinic are safe and effective for cats and dogs and can be done at a low cost. Regardless of the procedure, your vet must have the proper training and experience.
Here at Animal Clinic of East Durham, we are proud to offer competitively priced all-inclusive spay and neuter packages with no hidden costs. Your pet will be in great hands in our state-of-the-art surgical suite with advanced anaesthetic monitoring devices. We strive for a pain-free recovery for all pets and aim to be there for owners postoperatively every step of the way.
What is spaying?
This is a veterinary surgical procedure during which the uterus and ovaries of female pets are removed. The procedure is done while the pet is under general anesthesia, and the purpose of spaying is to prevent unwanted litter of kittens or puppies and to eliminate the risk of ovarian and uterine cancers/ infections that can be fatal. Additionally, spaying can reduce hormonally influenced behaviours, the desire to roam and anxious vocalization.
What is neutering?
This is a veterinary surgical procedure during which the testes in male pets are removed. This surgery is less invasive than spaying, although the pet will be under general anaesthesia. This will prevent an unwanted litter of kittens or puppies, reduce the risk of prostate diseases and eliminate the risk of testicular cancer. Additionally, neutering can reduce the risk of hormonally influenced behaviours, territorial marking (spraying, unwanted urination) and the need to escape from home.
Why should I have my pet neutered or spayed?
Neutering or spaying will help prevent the birth of unwanted offspring. Sadly, millions of healthy cats and dogs are euthanized annually due to shelters’ general overpopulation. These procedures will prevent this from happening, and research also shows that neutered and spayed pets live longer and are less likely to develop certain diseases.
What are the advantages of neutering?
There are several advantages to neutering your male cat or dog, including reduced risk of prostatic diseases, reduced risk of hormone-related diseases and reduced risk of spraying or marking urine in male cats. Neutering will also prevent testicular cancer, one of the most common cancers in dogs, and will remove sexual urges, eliminating the need to roam and escape in search of females. Additionally, neutering will reduce hormonally-influenced aggression.
What are the advantages of spaying?
Spayed dogs or cats will not go into “heat” and will not experience the urge to find a mate and try to escape. Female cats, in particular, will yowl and urinate more often (spraying), but spaying will prevent this from happening. Spaying will also help prevent mammary tumours and breast cancer and eliminate ovarian and uterine cancer and infection risks. Female cats and dogs will enjoy a longer and healthier life when spayed.
When should I neuter/spay my pet?
You are generally recommended to neuter or spay dogs at around six months of age and your cat between five and six months of age. Although some veterinarians will consider spaying or neutering an animal as young as eight weeks of age. Many benefits have to do with sexual behaviour, which develops during maturity, and these behaviours are hard to unlearn. This is why neutering is recommended before your pet is fully developed sexually.
Older cats and dogs can benefit from spaying or neutering; it is never too late as they will still experience advantages later in life.
Exactly when to perform this surgical intervention will depend on the breed and the species, and a veterinarian will provide you with more detailed information.
If you are looking for a reputable vet near you, Animal Clinic of East Durham is ready to help! Accepting New Clients! We serve all of Clarington, Durham Region and more! Our veterinary clinic will prioritize your pet’s health, and our vets will gladly answer more of your questions. Contact us today to find out more!
