When to Spay or Neuter Your Pet: Advice From Your Collierville Veterinarian

The answer to the question, when to spay or neuter your pet, is not as clear-cut as it may seem. You and your Collierville veterinarian have several factors to consider in deciding the best time for your pet.

Factors Considered By A Collierville Veterinarian

No longer is there a hard and fast rule that kittens and puppies should be spayed and neutered by a certain age. Studies show that spay or neuter performed too early affects the time for pets’ bones to mature, resulting in longer bones that can eventually become misaligned. This is especially true for larger breed dogs. On the other hand, if delayed too long, some of the significant health benefits are reduced for both males and females.

Our veterinarian in Collierville, also serving clients in Germantown, Piperton and the surrounding communities, will talk with you about these factors before deciding the best time for your pet’s spay or neuter:

• Based on breed or genes, is there a predilection for orthopedic problems for your pet?
• Can you deal with hormone-related issues such as menstruation in females and spraying, marking and aggressive behaviors in males?
• Are all puppy and kitten vaccinations series completed?

Health Benefits for Your Pet

The health benefits for pets who are spayed and neutered are indisputable. They lead longer and happier lives. Females are protected against breast cancer and uterine infections if the spay happens before their first heat. Males are protected against developing testicular cancer and an enlarged prostate.

Why a Surgery Center?

With 105 years of combined practitioner expertise and a state-of-the-art, superbly equipped surgical center, our Collierville veterinarian is able to handle riskier cases, such as spaying a pet who is in heat or spaying or neutering an older pet. We are also able to deal with any emergency or complication that may arise during your pet’s surgery, though these occasions are extremely rare.

While your kitten or puppy is still young, be sure to talk with your veterinarian in Collierville about the best timing for your pet’s spay or neuter. Our veterinarians in Collierville see pets from Collierville, Germantown, Piperton and the surrounding areas. Call us today to schedule an appointment for your pet!