Spay & Neuter

Every year, thousands of stray and unwanted animals are euthanized in shelters across the United States. Many of these deaths are the result of owners failing to spay and neuter their pets. Even if you keep a close watch on your pet, accidents happen, and unexpected offspring means more animals that often won’t be given the chance at full, happy lives.Spaying and neutering can help end this cycle, and both procedures have health benefits for your pets.

Spaying
Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) is a common surgical procedure performed on female cats and dogs that involves removing the patient’s uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, rendering the animal incapable of reproduction. Parkway Animal Center veterinarians recommend spaying your pet at 3-6 months of age, depending on your dog’s breed, and ideally before the patient’s first heat.

Benefits:

• Prevents unwanted pregnancies
• Eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine tumors
• Remove the possibility of uterine infections

What to expect after surgery
Spaying is a major surgery requiring 7-10 days of recovery time. Recovery may also include pain medication, and lethargy is common during the first couple days following the procedure. A small, green tattoo is applied post-surgery that signifies that the animal is spayed should she 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 4-6 months old but can be performed on older animals as well.

Benefits

• 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. Recovery may also include pain medication, and lethargy is common for the first couple days following the procedure. It’s extremely important that you monitor your pet to prevent the animal from licking or biting the incision to reduce the risk of infection.To learn more about spaying and neutering, or to schedule an appointment, contact us at 707-425-4050.