Spay and Neuter Surgery

As a new pet owner, you may wonder if it’s necessary to spay or neuter your pet. It’s a decision all pet owners face when adding a dog or cat to their household. Spay & neuter surgery sterilizes your pet to prevent “surprise” pregnancies. This surgery also offers valuable health benefits for your pet. At Animal Health Center of Land O’ Lakes, Land O’ Lakes, FL, we want you to be fully informed about spay/neuter procedures so you can make the best decision for your furry friend.  

Purpose of Spay and Neuter Surgery

If you’re content caring for one pet but don’t have the time or resources to deal with a pet pregnancy or litter, we highly recommend “fixing” your pet. Spay and neuter surgeries make it impossible for female pets to become pregnant and male pets to impregnate females, avoiding unwanted litters. These procedures can be performed safely at our animal hospital.

Benefits of Spay and Neuter Surgery for Pets

Fixing your pet can benefit its health by reducing its risk of developing reproductive tumors, infections and cancers, diseases that can shorten your pet’s lifespan. Fixed pets have been known to live longer, healthier lives.

Spay & neuter surgery can also eliminate undesirable behaviors associated with mating and the heating cycle. By fixing your female pet, you don’t have to put up with howling at night or problems with spraying indoors. Male dogs are less likely to run off in search of a mate. Dogs that wander are at greater risk of getting into fights with other animals or being hit by a car. Fixing your male pet can also curb aggressive behavior, making your pet easier to get along with at home.

Financially, it costs less for your veterinarian to fix your female pet than paying for pregnancy veterinary care or the care of your pet’s babies. You can also avert the expense of treating serious health problems later down the line.  

Sterilizing your dog or cat reduces the number of homeless pets on the street and in animal shelters. By spaying or neutering your pet, you do your part to control pet homelessness where you live.

When to Spay or Neuter Your Pet

Cats can be fixed as early as eight weeks of age. Dogs are typically fixed around six months of age. Before scheduling this procedure, your Land O’ Lakes veterinarian will examine your pet to ensure it’s in good enough health for surgery. We’ll also discuss post-op care to expedite your pet’s recovery.   

See Your Land O’ Lakes, FL Veterinarian for Spay/Neuter Surgery

To schedule a consultation for spay or neuter surgery at our animal hospital, contact Animal Health Center of Land O' Lakes, Land O' Lakes, FL, at 813-996-3800.