Spaying or Neutering Your Pet

Understanding Spaying and Neutering

Spaying/Neutering is the most frequent surgical procedure performed on household pets, and is the procedure to prevent your companion animal from reproducing. Spaying means removing the reproductive organs from your female pet, and neutering refers to removing the male’s testicles. The procedures are done under general anesthesia so that your pet does not feel any pain while the procedure is being done. Most pets go home the same day of the procedure, with care instructions for healing quickly and easily.

All spay/neuter surgeries performed at AV Veterinary Centrer Lancaster/Palmdale are done by trained veterinary professionals, in a sterile and comfortable environment. During the procedure, our team closely monitors all vital signs of the pet undergoing the surgery and offers clear home care instructions, so that the pet guardians know what to expect when their pet comes home after the surgery.

Why is Spaying/Neutering Important?

As a pet guardian, spaying/neutering your companion is one of the most responsible decisions you will make. In addition to preventing unwanted pet litters, spaying/neutering provides additional health, lifestyle, and behaviour benefits to your pet. There are several health benefits to neutering/spaying your pet, including:

Health Benefits

Reduced risk of certain cancers – Some reduced rate of developing uterine, ovarian, and mammary cancers in female dogs. A neutered male cannot develop testicle cancer, and reduce certain prostatic problems later in life.

Reducing the risk of reproductive infections – When dogs are spayed, they will not develop a serious reproductive disease such as Pyometra. This is a potentially fatal uterine infection.

Increasing Longevity – The majority of neutered pets live longer compared to non-neutered pets.

Improved Behavior and Safety

Increasing the likelihood of roaming and aggression: Intact pets have a greater tendency to roam around and search for a mate, which increases their potential for accidents (from vehicles) or fights with other animals. Neutered pets generally exhibit more calmness and a greater tendency to stay around their home.

Reducing unwanted behaviors: The method of spaying will eliminate the cycles associated with heat in females. Female cats in heat will vocalize (yowl) and mark their territory, while male cats may show signs of territory marking and mating drive when intact. By neutering male cats, many of these territorial behaviors and mating drives are reduced.

Community Impact of Spaying and Neutering  

By reducing the number of pets available for adoption, spaying/neutering pets reduces the number of animals being put into shelters and decreases the national average of pets being euthanized. Responsible pet ownership involves a commitment to helping control pet overpopulation and support community animal welfare.

When to Spay or Neuter Your Pet

The age to spay/neuter an animal will depend on its size, breed, and health. Most veterinarians will recommend the following: 

Dogs: Generally between 6-9 months of age. However, some breeds of dogs (especially larger breeds) may require slightly longer to ensure proper bone growth and healthy joints.

Cats: Kittens should be spayed/neutered no later than 5 months of age. It is recommended that kittens be spayed/neutered so that they do not develop undesirable habits or get pregnant at a young age. 

You and your veterinarian will determine when the best time for your kitten to be spayed/neutered is based on the health and lifestyle of your kitten.

What Should You Expect During the Day of the Surgery?

The surgery usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, and your kitten will receive General Anesthesia before their surgery so that the Veterinarian(s) can perform the procedure safely and painlessly. After the Spay/Neuter Surgery:

• After surgery, kittens usually go home the same day. The veterinarian will provide you with detailed instructions for the care of your kitten after surgery (how long the kitten is to be kept calm, limitations on running and jumping, signs to monitor for proper healing of the incision site).
• The veterinary team at AV Veterinary Center in Lancaster/Palmdale will assist you in your post-operative care, including activity restriction and what to look for that may require a follow-up appointment.

Myths & Facts about Spaying/Neutering

Some common questions and assumptions spaying/neutering causes pets to gain weight or that there will be behavioral changes. These procedures themselves do not directly lead to a pet becoming overweight; however, the main factors are NO regular vet visits, NO regular diet, and NO exercise after surgery. Regular vet visits and a proper diet after surgery will help maintain the health of your pet. 

Call Now to Schedule a Consultation 

If you’re thinking about spaying or neutering your pet, the AV Veterinary Center team in Lancaster/Palmdale would be happy to answer your questions and guide you according to your pet’s needs. With the right preparation and the care of a professional, the operation will be safe, and your pet will be healthier afterward.