Support the fight against animal overpopulation
Every year thousands of stray and unwanted animals are euthanized in shelters across the United States. Many of these deaths are the avoidable result of owners failing to spay and neuter their pets. The unexpected offspring of these liaisons often fill shelters and are never given the chance at happy, loving lives.
Spaying
Spaying is a common surgical procedure performed on female cats and dogs. The process is called an ovariohysterectomy and involves removing the patient’s uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes, rendering the animal incapable of reproduction. Littleton Veterinary Clinic veterinarians recommend spaying your pet at 3-6 months, depending on your dog’s breed and ideally before the patient’s first heat.
Benefits
This procedure has many notable benefits including:
- 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 that requires 7-10 days recovery time and may include medication; lethargy is common for 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
Neutering generates many important health benefits:
- Prevents unwanted reproduction
- 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. Following the procedure your pet will be sleepy from the anesthesia, this lethargy may last a couple days. Medication may be administered to combat pain. Owners must 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 your Littleton Veterinary Clinic veterinarian today.