Questions About Spay and Neuter Procedures Answered

Because the decision to spay or neuter a pet leads to so many benefits for the animal, the owner and the community, most pet owners opt for the procedures early on in a pet’s life. However, if you have yet to have the procedure done, or are still on the fence, it can be worthwhile to consider all of
the reasons to have your companion animal spayed or neutered.

What do spay and neuter mean?

Spay refers to the ovariohysterectomy of female animals, while neuter is the term for the castration of male animals. These procedures make it impossible for an animal to breed. Spay and neuter procedures are some of the most common surgical operations for pets, and are considered a safe medical procedure for almost any dog or cat.

How does it affect my pet’s personality?

Choosing to spay or neuter your pet can yield several benefits for your pet and as well as you. Animals that go through spay and neuter procedures are known to live longer and healthier lives, and often make better companions as a result.

If you have a female cat, for instance, spaying can help eliminate the stress and disruption of her going into heat. This means no more yowling and pacing, and a generally calmer demeanor overall. Neutering your male cat eliminates the need to mark his territory, particularly in your house, as well as the urge to wander the neighborhood.

Spaying your female dog prevents the need to isolate her once she goes into heat, as well as the constant worry of a surprise litter of puppies. Neutering male dogs can help curb aggression, the desire to roam in search of females.

How is it good for the community?

Communities around the country face a monumental challenge in dealing with stray and unwanted dogs and cats. Like all animals, pets have a strong instinct to breed. This results in unwanted litters, and many strays going to area shelters. Of the animals dropped at these shelters, over fifty percent are euthanized.

This is one of the major reasons the Humane Society and other animal welfare groups are so persistent in their message to spay and neuter. It keeps pets at home, helps them to more sociable, and prevents unwanted animals.

How old does my pet have to be to have the surgery?

Dogs and cats can be safely spayed or neutered as young as eight weeks old. We recommend having the spay or neuter surgery between the age of 4 months and 6 months.  However, your pet can be spayed or  neutered at any age.   Your veterinarian can give you further guidance on when the best time is to have the procedure done.

In the majority of situations, spaying or neutering your pet is the right decision. It tends to help your pet lead a calmer, happier life, and it helps out your local community. The health benefits alone are substantial, and worth considering for any pet owner interested in having an ideal companion animal.