There is a lot to do for new pet parents. It might be challenging to guarantee you’re taking every care to keep your pet happy and healthy, from deciding the best diet to feed your animal to ensuring they have their immunizations on time. The visit to your local veterinarian or animal clinic to have your fur-baby spayed or neutered is an important part of this procedure, and our friends at the Animal League Wellness Center are here to help you through it.

Neuter vs. Spay

The distinction between spay and neuter depends on the gender of the animal. Both words refer to the surgical sterilization of an animal, but neuter is sometimes used interchangeably with the neuter. Spaying involves the removal of a female animal’s uterus and ovaries, whereas neutering involves the removal of a male animal’s testicles. This procedure ensures that your pet will not reproduce and helps to reduce pet overpopulation.

Why should I neuter or spay my pet?

Neutering or spaying your pet benefits both you and your pet. According to the ASPCA, spayed or neutered animals are frequently less violent since their mate-seeking instinct has been removed. Many unpleasant habits, like fighting, roaming, spraying, and weeping, will disappear following surgery, and most pets will become even more devoted toward their owners. Furthermore, spaying females protects against breast cancer and eliminates uterine infections and cancer, while neutering males reduces the incidence of testicular cancer and prostate diseases.

Everyone enjoys cute and squishy puppies and kittens. Why would the world not want more? The reality is that there are only a limited number of people who want a pet, and the bulk of animal shelters are already overburdened with homeless animals. By neutering or spaying your pet, you help to reduce shelter overpopulation and give other animals a chance to find their forever homes. If your pet has dental problems, you can consult with a cat or dog dental care care specialist while you’re at the vet.

When should I neuter or spay my pet?

You should visit an animal hospital and veterinarian to determine the best time to spay or neuter your pet. According to the ASPCA, puppies are typically spayed or neutered between the ages of six and nine months. Still, they can be as young as eight weeks if considered healthy by your veterinarian. Cats are routinely spayed or neutered between the ages of eight and five months in places like Park Animal Hospital.

What to expect following your pet’s neutering?

A tiny amount of bloody fluid may accumulate in the remaining scrotal sac. While this usually resolves itself within two weeks, a second surgery may be required in rare cases where a large amount of fluid collects. If you are concerned, contact your veterinarian. While diarrhea and vomiting are unusual postoperative symptoms, they may necessitate a trip to the veterinarian. Visit their emergency page to learn more on em ergency treatments. 

Conclusion

Spaying and neutering are essential parts of responsible dog ownership. Not only would neutering minimize your dog’s risk of contracting diseases like testicular cancer and contribute to the maintenance of a healthy dog population, but it will also reduce the likelihood of your dog developing undesirable behaviors like excessive marking, roaming, and aggression. If you have any more concerns, speak with your veterinarian to acquire specific information about your dog.