
Furry friends are lifelong companions, and there is a huge responsibility in caring for them. We love our pets, and at unexpected times, there comes the decision to spay and neuter them. Whether it’s for our furry friends’ health and safety or even to abide by some laws of the country to control the pet overpopulation problem, we’re here to assist you in this discussion for you to make a decision.
1) What is Spaying and Neutering?
Spaying and neutering are the most common surgical procedures and acts as preventive reproducing measures for animals. While going through the process, your pets will be put under general anesthesia so that they do not feel any pain.
If you are unsure exactly the difference between spaying and neutering, let us look further into these two common medical terms for pets and animals.
2) What are the Benefits of spaying and neutering my pet?
While some may discuss the cons of what spaying and neutering can do to your pets, here are some pros in going through the surgeries – mainly focused on benefiting your furry friends.
a. Improves Health and Wellness
b. Eliminate ‘In-Heat’ Situations
c. Decrease the urge and chances to roam out of home
d. Behavioral Problems and Issues
e. Reduce unwanted litters, overpopulation and overcrowded shelters
3) What happens if I do not choose to spay or neuter my pet?
Should you choose not to spay or neuter your pets, you might be risking them for severe and life-threatening health issues and diseases in the long term.
For male pets, if left intact past the age of 5, they will have higher possibilities of developing an enlarged prostate. Affected dogs will generate potentially dangerous issues which include difficulty urinating or bowel movements.
Whereas in female pets, there is an increased chance for them to get pyometra, which is a severe infection of the uterus. Pyometra is one of the most life-threatening diseases in unspayed cats and dogs.
4) When is it the best time and age to undergo the surgeries?
Should you decide to spay and neuter your pet, the concern is when would be the appropriate time to do so. Both cats and dogs can go through spaying and neutering as young as eight weeks old as long as they are healthy, but you can decide depending on the condition of your furry friend and advised by your vet.
Dogs: Traditionally, the age for neutering is between six to nine months. As for female dogs or puppies, it is recommended to spay them before their first heat cycle, which is between five and ten months of age.
Dogs can be neutered as adults as well, although there’s a slightly higher risk of post-operative complications for dogs who are older, who have health problems or overweight.
Cats: Cats or kittens can become pregnant as early as four months old. To avoid this, it is advisable to spay or neuter before your own cat reaches five months of age. It’s possible to spay a female cat while she’s in heat.
5) Still unsure about the Spaying and Neutering? Speak to us!
In general, spaying and neutering are quite affordable, and they can allow you and your beloved pets to live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives together.
It is definitely a huge decision to make but fret not! Here at WhatsDoc, we have a great panel of knowledgeable veterinarians and animal doctors that are always available to address your concerns relating to your furry friends and their long-term health.
Speak to us and we can share some pre-op advice, after-care tips to determine together what is best for your pet.
References:
3. 5 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Pets
5. Why spay or neuter your pet?
7. How will spaying change my dog?