Having your pet fixed, or spayed/neutered, is one of the most common procedures performed on animals of all sizes and breeds. Oftentimes, the spay/neuter procedure is recommended for health reasons and to reduce the overpopulation of pets in your area or local region. If you're thinking about having your pet spayed or neutered, our team at Mast Boulevard Pet Hospital in Santee is here to answer the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) we receive on a regular basis.
What is Spaying and Neutering?
Spaying and neutering procedures sterilize cats and dogs by removing reproductive parts of the body, such as the uterus and ovaries in females and the testicles in males.
Why is Spaying and Neutering Recommended?
When visiting a local veterinary office, you'll likely be encouraged to have your pet spayed/neutered, depending on its age and lifestyle. Spaying and neutering may be recommended by a veterinarian near you for the following reasons:
- Reduced Aggression: Reduced aggressive behavior is a common motivator for the neutering or spaying procedures. Marking, scratching, and even roaming may be reduced or disappear altogether.
- Health: Spaying and neutering can significantly reduce your pet's chance of developing infections such as pyometra (in females), uterine infections, and even mammary or testicular cancers.
- Population Control: Once your pet is spayed and/or neutered, you can help reduce the number of unwanted or homeless pets that roam the streets.
What Age is Best for a Spaying or Neutering Procedure?
Your professional veterinarian near you in Santee will likely recommend that your pet be spayed between 4 and 6 months of age, depending on its weight, age, and breed. The earlier your pet is spayed or neutered, the less likely you are to encounter complications during the recovery period.
How Long Does the Spay/Neuter Procedure Require?
A typical spaying or neutering procedure will last anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes in total. This duration may vary based on the size, health, breed, and age of your pet.
Contact Mast Boulevard Pet Hospital in Santee, CA
Anytime you want to spay or neuter your cat or dog, it's best to do so only after familiarizing yourself with the procedure, what it entails, and the benefits of doing so at the time of your visit. To learn more about what's involved in the process of spaying or neutering your cat or dog, reach out to one of our veterinarians at Mast Boulevard Pet Hospital in Santee, CA.