When Is The Right Time To Spay Or Neuter Your Pet?
When Is The Right Time To Spay Or Neuter Your Pet?
According to the 2019-2020 National Pet Owners Survey by the American Pet Products Association, 78% of families with dogs have spayed or neutered their canine friends. There are many reasons why people choose to do that, such as improving their pet’s health and helping with their temperament.
Spaying and neutering young pets as soon as it is safe to do has been a standard procedure in the fight against pet overpopulation for a while. Some people find it an obvious and simple choice to make. However, spaying and neutering mean different things and are frequently misapplied. So what are the distinctions between neutering and spaying operations?
In simple words, spaying is the surgical removal of a female dog's reproductive organs, either the ovaries or the uterus and ovaries. Your female dog's heat cycle will be eliminated after she has been spayed, and she will be unable to have puppies.
Neutering, commonly known as castration, involves a veterinarian removing both testicles and their related tissues. Your neutered dog is unable to reproduce. Although there are alternatives, such as vasectomies for male dogs, they are rarely used.
When Should You Spay Or Neuter Your Pet?
There is no time limit to have your pet spayed or neutered, but the American Animal Hospital Association has some unique advice for dog and cat owners. Ideally, cats should be sterilized by the age of five months. This allows your kitten to grow while still providing your cat with the benefits of being spayed or neutered.
As for dogs, the AAHA advises spaying or neutering small-breed dogs by 6 months of age. Large-breed dogs that will weigh more than 45 pounds as adults should be spayed between the ages of 5 and 15 months and neutered when their growth spurt occurs at roughly 9 to 15 months. Your veterinarian can advise you on the optimal time, which may vary depending on other circumstances.
Why Spaying And Neutering Pets Is Important
Spaying female pets can have significant health benefits, and castrating male pets can help reduce anxiety and aggression. By spaying and neutering their pets, pet owners can also rest assured knowing they are going to avoid an unwanted litter.
Ultimately, your pet's spaying or neutering will help decrease the number of unwanted animals in US shelters, offer protection from a variety of deadly diseases, and may even assist to control some undesirable behaviors.
If you’re ready to schedule your dog or cat’s spay or neuter procedure, or simply want additional details, give Fetch A Vet a call today. One of our experts will be able to help you resolve any doubts you have about this procedure and set up an appointment for your pet with one of our skilled veterinarians.
