Some Common Advantages of Spaying and Neutering your Pet and Some you may not Have Known About
We know your pet is very important to you. In order to reduce the number
of animals ending up in shelters or euthanized, please discuss neutering
your pet with your veterinarian.
Both male and female dogs and cats are mature enough to reproduce at 6-9
months old.
Female dogs generally go through an estrus or heat cycle every six months.
This is accompanied by a proestrus or bleeding cycle prior to her true heat
cycle in which she is very receptive to the advances of male dogs. This heat
cycle may last for several days or up to 3-4 weeks. Often female dogs will
experience some personality changes during heat cycles such as becoming
short-tempered or anxious.
Female cats come into heat cycles every 3-4 weeks during certain times of
the year. Many female cats will become nervous during heat cycles and exhibit
unusual behavior such as rolling on the floor, hiding, or wanting constant
attention. They also become quite vocal, meowing plaintively through their cycle.
Surgical neutering of female dogs and cats,called ovariohysterectomy, completely
eliminates all heat cycles and the accompanying bleeding cycle, nervousness, and
desire to mate. Spaying your female dog or cat will also protect them from
uterine infections, other diseases, and difficult or dangerous pregnancies.
Studies show that spaying your female dog before her first heat cycle greatly
reduces her chance of developing mammary cancer later in life. The surgery
includes the removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus.
Most male dogs and cats are ready to reproduce by 6-12 months old. They are able
to breed consistently throughout the year. Both male dogs and cats are prone to
wander in search of romance which exposes them to dangers such as cars and
fighting with other animals.
Male cats are well known to mark their territory by spraying odorous urine on
furniture and walls. Male dogs are sometimes equally anxious to mark their territories.
Surgical neutering of male dogs and cats, called orchiectomy, eliminates any
reproductive behavior and reduces urine odor and the desire to spray. Your
male dog or cat will continue to have his own unique personality. He will be
less likely to roam and enjoy staying at home more.
Deciding when is the best time to neuter your pet is a decision you should discuss
with your veterinarian, please call Superior Animal Hospital if you have questions.