As a pet owner, it’s up to you to decide whether or not to spay or neuter your pet. If you’re unconvinced this is a good decision, take time to learn more about these procedures and how they can benefit your pets. These FAQs from Ashworth Road Animal Hospital in West Des Moines, IA, provide greater insight into the importance of spay and neuter surgery.
Why should I spay or neuter my pets?
Spay and neuter surgery sterilizes your pet to avoid unwanted pregnancies and litters. They are routine procedures that can be performed by our experienced veterinarians. Sterilizing your pet reduces the population of dogs and cats in animal shelters in your local community, which are often already overcrowded. There will also be fewer stray animals on the street. If you’re not planning on breeding your pet, spay/neuter surgery saves you the expense of caring for a pregnant pet and her babies once they are born.
At what age should I spay or neuter my pet?
After reviewing your pet’s medical history and conducting a wellness exam, our veterinarians can help you determine the best time to spay or neuter your pet. In general, these procedures are done when dogs and cats are around 6 months of age. However, these surgeries can be done earlier or later if your vet feels it’s safe and appropriate to do so.
Should I let my female pet have one litter before having her fixed?
If you’re going to spay your female pet, there’s no benefit to waiting until she has a litter before having her undergo this surgery. In fact, most vets recommend spaying your pet before her first heat to reduce her risk of developing reproductive tumors and infections later on.
Are there health benefits to spaying or neutering my pet?
Spaying your female pet reduces her risk of developing breast tumors, uterine infections, and ovarian cancer later on in life. These health issues can seriously impair your pet’s health or lead to an early death. Spaying also prevents your female pet from going into heat, sparing you from having to endure irritating heat symptoms and behavior which can last for a month.
Neutering your male dog reduces its risk of developing prostate cancer. It can also curtail aggressive behavior and keep your dog from wandering in search of a mate. Roaming dogs are more liable to get lost or hurt in an accident or start a fight with another animal.
Visit Our West Des Moines, IA, Veterinarians for Spay and Neuter Surgery
To learn more about spay or neuter procedures or to schedule spay/neuter surgery for your dog or cat or other critter, contact Ashworth Road Animal Hospital in West Des Moines, IA, at (515) 225-1807.