Spaying or Neutering
Pets do so much to enrich our lives. In return, we are charged with the task of keeping them safe and happy. That means taking care of their various health needs, including trips to the veterinarian for their pet wellness visits, vaccinations, and spaying or neutering.
What Is Spaying and Neutering?
Spaying is the sterilization of a female animal via the removal of her uterus and ovaries. Neutering is the sterilization of a male dog via the removal of his testicles.
Why Spaying and Neutering Is Important
Keeping Your Pet Healthy
The most obvious reason why spaying and neutering is important is that it helps to keep the pet population under control. Cats and dogs that are not spayed and neutered make for a denser pet population, which leads to more health problems, forced euthanasia in shelters, and accidents, such as being hit by a vehicle or being injured in a fight. Overall, the health and quality of life of a spayed or neutered pet is better than one that is kept intact.
Improving Behavior
Pets that aren't spayed or neutered are more likely to howl during mating season or spray or urinate around the house. They also tend to be less aggressive overall, especially when they are neutered when still young. It is more likely that your pet will take to training, making for a more peaceful household overall.
What You Need to Know Once You Have Decided to Spay or Neuter Your Pet
Once you've determined to ask your veterinarian in Ontario to spay or neuter your pets, it is important to realize that both procedures are surgeries and require proper preparation and aftercare. Both puppies and kittens can be sterilized when they are as young as eight weeks old. Shelters often spay and neuter very young in order to adopt out sterilized pets. For female pets, spaying before an animal is 5-6 months old is recommended to help prevent a heat cycle.
When you schedule your appointment, your veterinarian will instruct you on how to prepare for surgery and conduct an exam to make sure your pet is healthy enough to handle anesthesia. You'll be instructed on how to care for the wound, and how to restrict your pets from licking their stitches. In many cases, pets experience some post-operative pain and are prescribed pain killers to help. It is important to monitor the site for any sign of discharge and avid bathing for at least 10 days.
At Edlinton Dufferin Animal Clinic in Toronto, Ontario, we strive to help pet owners understand any procedure that we perform for their pet. If your pet is overdue for a checkup or needs a spay or neuter surgery, contact us at (647) 352-2201 to schedule an appointment.
