Every year, thousands of stray and unwanted animals are euthanized in shelters across the United States. Many of these deaths are avoidable, often resulting from owners failing to spay and neuter their pets. Even if you keep a close watch on your pet, accidents can happen, and unexpected offspring lead to more animals who won’t get the chance at a full, happy life.
Spaying and neutering help break this cycle and provide health benefits for pets as well.
Spaying
Spaying is a common surgical procedure performed on female cats and dogs. This process, called an ovariohysterectomy, involves removing the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, making the animal unable to reproduce. It is recommended to spay your pet at 6 – 12 months, depending on consultation with the veterinarian.
Benefits
- Prevents unwanted pregnancies
- Eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine tumors
- Reduces the chance of uterine infections
What to Expect After Surgery
Spaying is a major surgery that requires 14 days of recovery. During this time, pain medication may be prescribed, and lethargy is common for the first few days.
Neutering
Neutering is performed on male cats and dogs. This procedure removes the testicles, rendering the animal unable to impregnate females. Neutering is typically done at 12 – 24 months of age, depending on consultation with the veterinarian, but it can be performed on older animals as well.
Benefits
- Calms the animal, reducing aggressive behavior and dominant tendencies
- Reduces roaming and spraying (territory marking)
- Eliminates the risk of testicular and prostate tumors
What to Expect After Surgery
Neutering is less invasive than spaying but still requires some recovery time. Pain medication may be prescribed, and mild lethargy is common for the first couple of days. It’s important to monitor your pet to prevent licking or biting the incision area to avoid infection.
Book Spaying or Neutering
To learn more about spaying and neutering services or to schedule a consultation, contact Mill Creek Animal Clinic at (708) 361-6002 or Make An Appointment online.
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What's Next
Call us or schedule an appointment online.
Meet with a doctor for an initial exam.
Put a plan together for your pet.
