We recommend ALL pets be spayed or neutered. Cats and dogs should be spayed or neutered ideally around 6 months old, but some larger breed dogs may be recommended to alter after they mature a bit more. Why is spaying and neutering so important?  There are numerous benefits to altering your pets:

Health Benefits

  • Spaying a female will vastly decrease the risk of tumors in the mammary tissue, uterus and ovaries
  • Spaying a female will eliminate the risk of pyometra, a uterine infection which can be deadly.  Even if it is diagnosed and treated, the treatment is extremely expensive and often cost prohibitive to clients.
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  • Neutering a male will vastly decrease the risk of testicular cancer and prostate issues

 
Behavioral Benefits

  • Pets that have been spayed or neutered are far less likely to roam.  Pets who roam are more likely to be hit by vehicles or become lost.
  • Males who have been neutered are less likely to be aggressive.
  • Felines are less likely to spray.
  • Canines are less likely to mark their territory or mount other canines.

 
The Surgery

  • You will drop your pet off between 7:45-8 AM, after withholding food and water since 12AM.
  • Your pet will have the requested surgery.  We strongly recommend that all pet owners choose the optional pre-anesthetic bloodwork and intravenous fluids during the surgery.
  • Most neuters go home the same day of surgery at the end of the day, whereas we prefer to keep spays overnight for observation.
  • If your puppy has retained puppy teeth, which is common in the toy breeds, these may be removed while under anesthesia.  If your pet is an adult, we can perform a dental at this time if necessary.  Both procedures need to be discussed with your veterinarian prior to the surgery but are easily performed and a health benefit to your pet.

 
After Care

  • Pain medications will be prescribed, though there is usually little pain for your pet
  • No bath for 14 days!
  • In some cases, sutures will dissolve, but other operations require your return for suture removal in 10-14 days.
  • The most important aspect is to make certain that your pet doesn’t lick or chew sutures until they have properly healed.  It is also important to limit activity, such as jumping, running and active play, until sutures are removed.