North Central Animal Hospital in Phoenix, AZ, offers affordable spay and neuter services for dogs and cats. Spaying and neutering are frequently required when adopting pets from shelters, and there are also some health benefits for dogs and cats that receive these procedures. Here's some more information about spaying and neutering dogs and cats.

What Are Spay and Neuter Surgeries?

Spaying is the surgical removal of a female pet's uterus and ovaries. Neutering is the removal of a male pet's testicles. Both veterinarian procedures render the animal incapable of reproducing. Both procedures are safe and are regularly performed at our hospital in Phoenix.

Benefits of Spay and Neuter Procedures

There are some specific health benefits that dogs and cats receive from being spayed or neutered. Spaying and neutering your pet prevents it from developing cancer of the reproductive organs. Dogs or cats in heat tend to get into fights, mark territory, and engage in other behaviors that increase the likelihood of animal-to-animal transmission of diseases. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus are often spread to outdoor cats that are not spayed or neutered.

There are behavioral benefits to spaying and neutering as well. Spayed cats will not yowl and pace around the house due to their heat cycle. Neutered cats will not prowl the house to spray and mark territory. Neutered dogs are not as aggressive, so they are less likely to engage in urine-marking, excessive barking, mounting other animals, or fighting. Spayed female dogs do not have to deal with the heat cycle.

Pet Overpopulation Issues

Pet overpopulation is a serious issue to consider as well. Millions of unwanted dogs and cats are euthanized in America each year because there are not enough homes to adopt all of them. If your female dog or cat is not spayed, all it takes is one accident of your pet getting out of the home and you could suddenly find yourself with a "surprise" litter of puppies or kittens on your hand. Dogs and cats that are not neutered, likewise, are not picky when their instincts kick in if they are outdoors. Any stray animal will be a temptation they cannot resist, which leads to more pet overpopulation.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Veterinarian for Spay and Neuter Services in Phoenix, AZ

Call North Central Animal Hospital today at (602) 395-9773 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian.