Jane Animal Hospital recommends all pets be spayed or neutered at 6 months of age. Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) and Neutering (castration) are both surgical procedures that provide short-term and long-term health benefits for your pet.
The spay procedure is the surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries of female cats and dogs. We recommend that your female puppy or kitten be spayed for the following benefits:
1. Spaying prevents unwanted pregnancies.
2. Spaying at around 6 months of age allows your puppy or kitten to be spayed before her first heat cycle. This greatly decreases the chances of developing breast cancer and decreased the incidence of uterine infection. Both these conditions are serious and can be fatal.
3. Spayed puppies and kittens are more likely to stay home so the likelihood of fighting, roaming, or getting hit by a car is decreased.
4. Because spayed cats or dogs stay home more, their risk of encountering infectious disease is decreased.
5. Spaying prevents the nuisance of the heat cycle that can occur at least twice a year. Females in heat may bleed or have vaginal discharge, which can be quite messy. Puppies and kittens in heat also display unusual and sometimes annoying behaviors such as vocalizing. These behaviors can last up to several weeks.
The neuter procedure is the surgical removal of the testicles of male cats and dogs. We recommend that your puppy or kitten be neutered for the following benefits:
1. Neutering your puppy or kitten prevents unwanted pregnancies.
2. Neutering at 6 months of age decreases the risk of developing testicular and prostate cancer.
3. Neutering decreases aggression problems.
4. Neutered puppies and kittens are more likely to stay home so the likelihood of fighting, roaming, or getting hit by a car is decreased.
5. Because neutered cats or dogs stay home more, their risk of encountering infectious disease is decreased.
Overall, spaying and neutering pets helps them live longer, healthier lives.
