If you have a cat or dog, and you aren’t sure if you should neuter or spay them, you are in the right place. At North Central Animal Hospital serving Phoenix, AZ, we are here to help you understand everything about spaying and neutering. This way, you will have all the information to feel confident when taking your pet to a veterinarian for “fixing.”

What Is Spaying and Neutering?

Spaying is sterilizing female pets, where the reproductive organs are removed to prevent pregnancy. During spaying, the vet removes the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries as a natural and permanent method of birth control.

On the other hand, during neutering, the vet removes testes in male pets to prevent reproduction. Simply put, neutering is castration in male pets.

At What Age Should I Spay and Neuter?

Sterilizing your pets can be as early as six weeks! During this age, the risk of surgery isn’t high. While older pets can be spayed or neutered, the risk is high because they may have underlying health conditions.

We always recommend spaying and neutering at an early age before reproductive issues like tumors, cancers, and urinary tract infections (UTIs) set in.

Why Should I Spay and Neuter?

If you are sitting on the fence about whether you should spay or neuter your pets with a veterinarian at our animal hosptial, consider the following benefits to make up your mind:

• Medical benefits: Spaying and neutering your pets reduces the chances of reproductive cancers. Besides, “fixing” your pets reduces the chances of injuries and infections as your pets escape home to look for mating partners.
• Behavioral benefits: Pets can be a nuisance when on heat. Females usually howl and spray around your home when on heat. Male pets can escape home as they look for mating partners. Unfixed male pets are also likely to urinate around your home to mark territories. Sterilizing your pets can keep breeding-related behavior under control.
• Cost-effective: Raising unwanted litter can be costly. However, you can avoid going this route by sterilizing your pets. Similarly, spaying or neutering your pets prevents several illnesses that can be costly to treat.

Visit Us for Spay and Neuter from a Veterinarian at Our Animal Hospital

Would you like to spay or neuter your pet in Phoenix, AZ? We at North Central Animal Hospital can provide veterinary services, including spay and neuter. Book an appointment for treatment and pet care by calling (602) 395-9773. A veterinarian at our animal hospital is here to provide veterinary services, including spay and neuter.