What Age is Best for Pets to Undergo Spay or Neuter Surgery?
Almost all pet owners understand the importance of having their pet undergo spay or neuter surgery. But at what age is it appropriate for a dog or cat to have this type of procedure? Our team of Winston-Salem pet surgery experts has put together this brief post on how to determine if your furry friend is old enough and what the optimum timeframe includes.
Neuter and Spay Surgery for Cats
In most cases, the ideal time for neuter and spay surgery for felines is around eight weeks of age. This can help keep urine spraying and other behavioral issues from starting. In addition, it can also help prevent unwanted pregnancy cycles in females. Although adult cats can always undergo this type of procedure, the optimum age for doing so is before six months.
Spay and Neuter Surgery for Dogs
When it comes to spay and neuter surgery for dogs, the timeframe is a little different. In some animal shelters, healthy puppies as young as eight weeks old can be sterilized. However, the recommended age is six to nine months. For females, the ideal time is before their first heat cycle.
Surgery for Adult Pets
Adult surgery is also a bit riskier for both dogs and cats due to age and full development of the reproductive organs and other possible underlying health conditions. However, you should never avoid spaying or neutering your pet just because they are fully grown. Failure to do so creates unwanted litters and could cause serious health conditions—such as cancer—that keep the animal from living a long, healthy life.
Visit Our Winston-Salem Veterinarian
As a dedicated Winston-Salem animal hospital, we understand that each animal is a different case. This is why we recommend scheduling a pet wellness exam first to determine when the appropriate age for your particular animal to undergo neuter or spay surgery. From there, we can guide you on how to setup an appointment and what to expect after bringing your cat or dog home.
For more information on Winston-Salem spay and neuter surgery, please contact our Forsyth Veterinary Hospital team by calling (336) 765-1225.