Spaying & Neutering for Dogs & Cats
New owners of puppies and kittens in the Tracy area may be wondering whether they should have their beloved pet neutered or spayed.
What does spaying and neutering mean?
Spaying and neutering refers to the surgical sterilization of an animal while under general anesthesia.
Technically known as an ovariohysterectomy, spaying removes a female's reproductive organs.
Also known as orchiectomy, neutering removes the testicles from male pets and is considered a simpler surgery than paying. Neutering can also be used to refer to the 'fixing' or desexing of either gender of the animal.
Benefits of Spaying or Neutering Cats
There are 6 benefits cats can experience through being neutered or spayed
- It decreases the risk of uterine infection in female cats.
- It reduces the risk of your cat contracting certain diseases.
- It curbs naughty behaviors, like spraying to mark territory.
- Neutered cats are less likely to stray from home.
- Your cat may become more affectionate.
- It may decrease the risk of mammary (breast) cancer.
Benefits of Spaying or Neutering Dogs
There are 5 benefits dogs can experience by being spayed or neutered:
- It reduces the mating urge.
- It reduces the risk of prostate and other cancers.
- It stabilizes the mood of the dog.
- It can reduce sexualized behaviors.
- It reduces marking and spraying issues.
Spaying & Neutering FAQs
If you'd like to learn more about spay and neuter surgeries at our Tracy vet hospital browse the answers below.
- When should I have my pet spayed? What age?
Pet owners should always consult with their vet to determine the best age for their pet to be spayed or neutered. Some studies have shown that there are long-term health benefits to neutering or spaying dogs after they have fully completed puberty.
Many veterinary professionals recommend that female animals be spayed before their first heat, which can occur as early as 5 months of age. However, there is increasing evidence that this is too young as the animals have not been allowed to fully develop and grow.
- What should I know about the recovery process for my pet?
SPAYING After spay surgery, some clinics will want to keep your cat or dog overnight, while others will let her go home on the same day. The rule of thumb is generally 7-10 days of restricted activity.
NEUTERING If there are no complications or other health issues, your dog or cat can usually go home on the same day of the procedure, with activity restricted for a few days while the incision heals.
For both of these procedures, we will send your pet home with a protective collar in order to keep them from licking their incision.
We typically book a follow-up visit to check on how well your pet has healed and to remove the stitches.
- Will my pet feel anything during the procedure?
Your pet will be put under general anesthesia and will not feel anything in the course of this procedure.
- Will my pet gain weight after the procedure?
Your kitten or puppy will grow to their full adult weight after the neuter or spay procedure, and this includes some naturally occurring weight gain.
However, your pet will not gain weight because of the spay or neuter procedure.