Spaying and neutering are among the most important health decisions you can make for your pet. These routine surgical procedures not only prevent unwanted litters of puppies and kittens but also provide significant health and behavioral benefits that help your pet live a longer, healthier and happier life.
Spay & Neuter Surgery
What Do "Spay" and "Neuter" Really Mean?
A “spay” is technically an ovariohysterectomy. This surgical procedure removes the reproductive tract (both ovaries and uterus) from female dogs and cats. A “neuter” is a castration surgery performed on male dogs and cats to remove both testicles. These surgical procedures are performed under anesthesia.
Health Benefits for Your Pet
Spaying and neutering help dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives. These procedures can eliminate or reduce a number of health problems that can be life threatening and expensive to treat.
Benefits for Females:
Spaying eliminates the possibility of uterine and ovarian cancers and life-threatening infection of the uterus (pyometra). It also greatly reduces the incidence of mammary cancer (breast cancer of the dog and cat), particularly when surgery is performed prior to your pet’s first estrous cycle also referred to as first “heat”.
Benefits for Males:
Neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and torsion while decreasing the incidence of non-cancerous prostate diseases (benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, prostatic cysts) and perianal diseases (perianal adenomas and fistulas).
Behavioral Benefits for You and Your Pet
Spaying and neutering minimize undesirable hormone-driven behaviors in cats and dogs.
Specific behaviors improved by spaying and neutering include:
Spayed and neutered pets are less likely to show aggressive behaviors
Spayed and neutered pets are less likely to roam which decreases their risk of traumatic injuries from vehicles and fights with other animals.
Neutered male cats are less likely to spray and mark territory
Spayed females no longer experience a heat (estrous) cycle. An unsterilized female dog will typically have two estrous cycles per year, while an unsterilized female cat will cycle every few weeks during breeding season. Animals in heat show marked behavior changes that can include (but are not limited to) increased vocalization, restlessness, nervousness or irritability and attention seeking. Females in heat attract unwanted male animals.
Community Benefits
Spaying and neutering are good for the community. Municipalities spend significant dollars to control and manage unwanted animals. Animal shelters are overburdened with surplus animals. Stray cats and dogs spread disease and are more likely to fight and bite. Irresponsible breeding contributes to all these problems.
When Should My Pet Be Spayed or Neutered?
Historically, puppies and kittens were spayed and neutered around six months of age following completion of their juvenile vaccinations. While this is still an ideal age for many pets, newer research suggests that multiple variables (breed, gender, health history, behavioral tendencies, environmental factors, to name a few) should be considered when identifying the optimal age for these procedures. Our veterinarians will help you determine what is best for your individual pet.
Don't Forget Your Rabbit!
When being conscientious about pet overpopulation, don’t forget to spay or neuter your rabbit. Altering rabbits can reduce hormone-driven behavior such as lunging, mounting, spraying and boxing. Spaying female rabbits can prevent ovarian, mammary and uterine cancers which can be prevalent in mature, intact does. Also, rabbits reproduce faster than dogs or cats and are the third-most surrendered animal to shelters.
What to Expect During a Spay or Neutering Procedure
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Spay and Neuter surgeries are routine procedures and relatively low risk. They are performed under anesthesia which is also generally very safe. You will be offered pre-anesthetic blood testing which is a tool to minimize any unforeseen risk of anesthesia. While your veterinarian is performing surgery, a licensed veterinary technician will be monitoring your pet’s anesthesia.
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Spay and Neuter surgeries at Perry Pet are performed as out-patient procedures.
You will be given a window of time to drop off your pet in the morning. Once surgery is complete and your pet has fully recovered from anesthesia they will be discharged to recover in the comfort of your home.
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All surgical patients will be provided with robust pain management. You will need to restrict your pet’s activity during the important healing days after surgery. Mild sedatives are available and recommended to aid in keeping your pet calm and quiet. Recovery collars are also recommended to eliminate the risk of your pet licking or chewing his or her incision. Your pet will leave the hospital with written instructions to guide you through their recovery. These instructions will indicate whether or not your patient needs to have stitches removed at a later date.
Regardless of whether or not your pet has stitches, it is imperative that your pet not lick the surgery site. The majority of postoperative complications are a direct result of the cat or dog licking their incision. If there is a concern that your pet may be a "licker," it can be fitted with an Elizabethan collar to wear until the incision heals.
You may also ask your veterinarian about medicines that may decrease post-operative discomfort. Never, under any circumstances, give your pet any medications without first getting permission from your veterinarian.
"Spay or neuter surgery carries a one-time cost that is relatively small when one considers its benefits. It's a small price to pay for the health of your pet and the prevention of more unwanted animals."
— The Humane Society of the United States
Puppy & Kitten Packages
We offer comprehensive spay and neuter packages designed specifically for puppies and kittens. These packages bundle the surgical procedure with other essential early-life services at a discounted rate, making it easier and more affordable to give your young pet the best start.
Ready to Schedule an Appointment?
If you have questions about spaying or neutering your pet, or are ready to schedule a procedure, our team is here to help. We perform spay and neuter surgeries at all four of our companion animal clinic locations.