Spay and Neuter FAQ Answered by a Collierville Veterinarian

At Collierville Animal Clinic, PC, serving Collierville, Piperton and Germantown, Tennessee and the surrounding region, we offer a wide variety of services, including spaying and neutering your pet whether it's a dog, cat, puppy or kitten. The procedure will benefit your pet in addition to you. That's why we advise all of our pet parents to spay or neuter their pets, whether they're indoor or outdoor pets. If you're curious about the procedures, we might be able to address your concerns before you even get to our office.  

1. What's Spaying and Neutering? 

Spaying and neutering are procedures conducted to desex an animal, so the pet is unable to reproduce. Female animals are spayed, which is a procedure where our veterinarian removes the ovaries and the uterus. Male pets are neutered. This particular procedure consists of our vet removing the testes as well as the pet's testicular epididymis, spermatic ducts, and testicular blood vessels. 

2. When Should I Get My Pet Spayed or Neutered? 

Usually, we advise our pet parents to bring their dogs or cats into our office to be spayed or neutered between six to nine months. Your pet must weigh at least two pounds before we'll conduct the procedure. If you have any questions as when your feline or canine is ready for the procedure, you may bring the animal into our office, and we'll determine an appropriate age.   

3. Can I Spay or Neuter an Adult Animal? 

If you adopted an animal who's unaltered or decide to spay or neuter later in life, we're able to conduct the procedure, as long as your pet doesn't have any health problems that would hinder the surgery. We advise spaying and neutering as early as possible, though.   

4. Is the Procedure Safe?  

The procedure is relatively safe and has a low risk of complications.

5. Do You Put My Pet Under for the Procedure?

We use a general anesthetic, so your pet is asleep during the procedure. We also use a local anesthetic to numb the site. We'll give your pet pain medication to relieve pain.

6. Will My Pet Gain Weight?  

If you keep your pet active and regulate your pet's diet after the surgery, your pet won't gain weight.

7. What Are the Benefits of the Procedure?

You're preventing unwanted pregnancies. You won't deal with the noise and messiness of the heat cycle. Your pet will be less likely to roam and will be less aggressive. You're also reducing your pet's risk of reproductive cancers. 

Call Our Collierville Animal Clinic Today!

To have your dog, cat, puppy or kitten spayed or neutered at Collierville Animal Clinic, serving Collierville, Tennessee, Piperton and Germantown and the surrounding region, contact us by calling (901) 853-8519. We look forward to meeting with you!