The overpopulation of unwanted dogs and cats continues to be an issue. Taking the time to spay and neuter your pets goes a long way toward keeping the problem under control. If you still haven’t had the procedure done on your dog or cat, you can bring them to see our veterinarian in Lake Placid, FL. Citrus Animal Clinic offers this valuable service for responsible pet owners. It’s one of the best ways to look out for your dog or cat’s health.
Why is Spaying and Neutering Important?
Dogs and cats tend to get the urge to roam the streets looking for a mate. That can lead them into dangerous situations like fighting with other animals or getting hit by cars. There’s nothing worse for pet owners than seeing their pets injured.
Spaying your female dog or cat before they reach sexual maturity lowers their risk of developing breast cancer. It also eliminates the possibility that she might end up with a uterine infection or ovarian cancer. Those illnesses often occur in female pets who have not been spayed.
Early neutering of a male cat or dog makes the animal less aggressive toward other males. Your pet is also less likely to be drawn to female animals who are in heat. Neutering male pets makes them safer because they are less inclined to leave your home and look for a mate in dangerous places. They’re also not as driven to leave their mark on your home or yard.
Benefits of Spaying and Neutering Pets
The most significant benefit of spay and neuter procedures is that they reduce the number of homeless dogs and cats roaming the streets. That means they won’t end up in a shelter where they often have to be put down.
Female animals undergo an estrous cycle twice yearly that causes them to pass bloody fluid. That goes away when you have them spayed, so they won’t leave stains on your carpets and furniture.
What Happens When You Spay Dogs and Cats?
Spaying a dog or cat typically involves removing the ovaries and uterus of female pets, an ovariohysterectomy. You can also choose to leave the uterus behind and only remove the ovaries, referred to as an ovariectomy.
In addition to preventing your pet from going into heat, a vet may recommend that you have your dog or cat spayed to address issues like:
- A false pregnancy
- Irregular cycles caused by ovarian cysts
- Uterine infections or cancer
- Problems during a difficult birth
The vet makes an incision somewhere below the belly button before going in and removing the organs. After the operation, you should ensure your dog or cat has a comfortable recovery space. Most pets can resume normal activities after around 10 days.
What Happens When You Neuter Dogs and Cats?
Neutering a dog or cat means removing the testes of a male cat or dog. The procedure can help male pets with behavioral issues like mounting, leg-lifting, or aggression. It’s a good idea to talk with your veterinarian about the best time to have your pet neutered.
The surgery is less involved than spaying a female dog or cat. After putting your pet to sleep using anesthesia, the vet makes an incision around the front of your dog or cat’s scrotum, then removes the testicles through that opening.
Get Your Pets Spayed and Neutered
As a concerned pet owner, do your part and make an appointment to spay and neuter your pets. Contact Citrus Animal Clinic today if you need a veterinarian in Lake Placid, FL.