Why It’s Important to Spay and Neuter in Bartow, FL
Preventing pet pregnancies is just one reason for spaying and neutering dogs and cats. While putting your pet through surgery when they’re so young might seem like a major step, it actually plays a key role in keeping them healthy and ensuring a more harmonious relationship with them. At Main Street Veterinary Center, we recommend spay and neuter surgery for both its small and large-scale benefits. It makes life better for your individual pet, but it also helps other animals in our community by reducing stray populations and crowding in shelters.
How Spay and Neuter Surgery Helps Individual Dogs and Cats
Health-wise, there are several ways dogs and cats can benefit from being spayed and neutered. Beyond preventing pregnancy, these procedures can also decrease a pet’s risk for certain diseases, including:
Females
- Ovarian tumors
- Mammary gland tumors
- Uterine tumors
- Pyometra (uterine infection)
Males
- Prostate tumors
- Testicular tumors
- Perinanal adenoma (a tumor that develops around the anus, more common in dogs than cats)
In addition to reducing your pet’s likelihood of developing a reproductive disease, spaying or neutering them can also reduce or prevent certain behaviors associated with hormones, including roaming, humping, vocalizing, acting aggressive, and spraying urine.
When to Spay and Neuter Dogs and Cats
The matter of when to spay or neuter your pet depends on their health, breed, and lifestyle. A timeline that works for one pet may not work well for another. Cats and small to medium-sized dog breeds may undergo their surgery between 5-6 months, but large and extra-large dog breeds usually need to wait another 5-6 months, until they are 12 months of age or older. This is due to the importance of hormones for their growth rate, which can be affected if they are spayed or neutered too early.
Your vet will be able to examine your pet and help you decide on the optimal time for their spay or neuter procedure. To consult with us about your pet’s needs before and after surgery, contact us today.