Skip NavigationSkip to Primary Content

PET CARE 101: NEUTERING AND SPAYING

Husky (Dog) Giving Owner a High-Five

What is Neutering?

Neutering is a procedure done on male pets to surgically remove their testicles. So, neutering is basically castration for male animal companions such as dogs or cats. As a result, these animals are made sterile, thus removing sexual tendencies. The ideal age for this process is around 6 months or before sexual maturity, but this can be done for all ages. Experienced veterinarians are qualified to perform this procedure to ensure the safety of your pet. Some measures taken to guarantee sanitation and lessen risks include getting bloodwork done, sterilizing the surgical site and keeping the animal behaved until stitches are removed.

What is Spaying?

Spaying is a surgical procedure that removes the ovaries and the uterus of your pet, medically known as an ovariohysterectomy. If neutering is for male pets, spaying is the equivalent procedure for female animal companions. This eliminates estrogen secretion, removing the heat cycle, menstruation and the faculty that draw males. The surgery can be done for animals of all ages, but it is recommended before pets mature. Just like in neutering, licensed veterinarians perform this procedure, in the safest and most sterilized way possible.

3 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pets

Now that you know what these medical processes are, you might be wondering why you want to have these performed on your beloved animal companions. Here are good reasons why you should spay or neuter your pets:

Spaying and Neutering Your Pets Prevents Diseases

One of the most humane reasons to have your pets neutered or spayed is because it prevents diseases. Being animals, it is their natural instinct to procreate. When not fulfilled, it can lead to various serious disease. For female animals, spaying prevents mammary, uterine and ovarian cancers, as well as uterine infections. Male animals have reduced risks of testicular tumours and prostate problems.

Spayed and Neutered Pets Are Better Behaved

Aside from health, a reason why experts suggest getting this procedure done in the early years is to prevent the development of bad behaviours. When your pet is in heat during the breeding season, they have a tendency to wander, to be restless and to be aggressive. If left alone, they can make these a habit, making them harder to control and discipline.

Prevent Unwanted Litters When You Spay and Neuter

Perhaps a popular reason people neuter or spay their pets is that it prevents unwanted animal pregnancy. Remember, pregnancy is a delicate thing and if you do not plan to keep the litter, the responsible thing to do is to get these procedures. This way, you are not risking the health of your beloved animal and you can be saved from the headache of finding people to foster the litter.

Where is the Best Place in St Catharines to Spay or Neuter Your Cat or Dog

At St Catharines Animal Hospital, we strive to be the best place in St. Catharines to get your cat or dog spayed or neutered. Spaying and neutering are just two of the many surgical services for pets we offer in a caring and relaxed environment.

Parting Words About Getting Your Pets Spayed or Neutered…

The safety and health of your pets are of utmost importance. After all, you chose to take an animal in, getting the responsibility of caring for them. If you plan to get a pet or you have yet to have yours neutered or spayed, you can always do so. Trust us, your pet will thank you for it.

https://www.thesprucepets.com/what-is-a-dog-neuter-or-castration-1118665

https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/spaying-dog-cat-19.htm

https://www.brown.edu/Research/Colwill_Lab/CBP/spaynueter.htm