Support the fight against animal overpopulation

Every year, thousands of stray and unwanted animals are euthanized in shelters across the United States. Many of these deaths are the avoidable result of owners failing to spay and neuter their pets. These unexpected offspring often fill shelters and are never given chances at happy, loving lives.

Spaying

Spaying is a common surgical procedure performed on female cats and dogs. The process, called an ovariohysterectomy, involves removing the patient’s uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes, rendering the animal incapable of reproduction. 43rd Avenue Animal Hospital veterinarians recommend spaying your pet when they are three to six months old, depending on the breed. Ideally, your pet would be spayed before their first heat.

Benefits

This procedure has many notable benefits including:

  • Preventing unwanted pregnancies
  • Eliminating the risk of ovarian and uterine tumors
  • Removing the possibility of uterine infections

What to expect after surgery

Spaying is a major surgery that requires seven to ten days of recovery time and may include medication. Lethargy is common for the first couple days following the procedure. A small green tattoo is applied post-surgery to signify that the animal is spayed, should they ever get lost or taken to a shelter.

Neutering

Neutering is performed on male cats and dogs. This process castrates the animal, removing their testicles and making them unable to impregnate females. Neutering is advised when your pet is four to six months old but can be performed on older animals as well.

Benefits

Neutering generates many important health benefits:

  • Prevents unwanted reproduction
  • Placates the animal, reducing aggressive behavior and decreasing dominant tendencies
  • Reduces roaming and spraying (territory marking)
  • Eliminates the risk of testicular and prostate tumors

What to expect after surgery

Although less invasive than spaying, neutering is still a major medical procedure that requires some recovery time. Following the procedure, your pet will be sleepy from the anesthesia, and this lethargy may last a couple days. Medication may be administered to combat pain. Owners must prevent the animal from licking or biting the incision in order to reduce the risk of infection.

To learn more about spaying and neutering, or to schedule an appointment, contact your 43rd Avenue Animal Hospital veterinarian today.