Spaying & Neutering in Deer Park

What is spaying and neutering?

When we talk about spaying and neutering, we are referring to the surgical sterilization of an animal under general anesthesia. 

For female animals, our vets perform spaying procedures. Formally known as an ovariohysterectomy, spaying removes a female's reproductive organs. 

Neutering, or orchiectomy, eliminates a male pet's testicles and is considered a simpler surgery than a spay. In some cases, the term 'neutering' can also refer to the desexing of either gender. You may also hear people referring to having their pet 'fixed' when discussing this procedure.  

Benefits For Cats

There are 6 key benefits of spaying or neutering your cat:

1. Your cat's risk of contracting certain diseases will be reduced.
2. It curbs naughty behaviours, such as spraying to mark territory.
3. Neutered cats are less likely to stray from home.
4. Your cat may become more affectionate.
5. It may reduce the risk of mammary (breast) cancer.
6. It decreases the risk of uterine infection in female cats.

Benefits For Dogs

There are 5 key benefits of spaying or neutering your dog:

1. It reduces marking and spraying issues.
2. It reduces the risk of prostate and other cancers.
3. It stabilizes the dog's mood.
4. It reduces the mating urge.
5. It can reduce sexualized behaviors.

Spaying & Neutering FAQs

• Why should I get my cat spayed or neutered?

  Population Control

  The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) estimates that about 3.2 million cats enter animal shelters across the United States annually. 

  The absolute best way pet owners can help reduce the number of unwanted cats ending up in Deer Park area shelters is by spaying or neutering your feline companion.

  Protect Wildlife

  It's estimated that cats in the United States kill between 1.4 billion and 3.7 billion birds each year. By helping to keep the numbers of homeless cats as low as possible, you help save the lives of countless birds and other wildlife. 

  Cat Neutering Benefits

  Male cat neutering can help to curb many undesirable behaviors from your feline friend, such as roaming, fighting with other undoctored male cats, howling and spraying indoors around your house to mark territory.

  Reducing your cat's urge to fight may also reduce their risk of injury, and of contracting Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). 

  Cat Spaying Benefits

  Spaying your female cat before the first heat cycle can help reduce your cat's risk of developing mammary tumors and pyometra (womb infection).

  It's also important to note that female cats can carry infectious diseases and may pass serious conditions on to their kittens, who may then go on to spread the disease even further. The pregnancy and birth process can be risky for young cats and costly for owners. Female cat spaying prevents these dangers. 

• Why should I get my dog spayed or neutered?

  Population Control

  The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) has found that about 3.3 million dogs end up in shelters annually across the United States. 

  The best way for you to help reduce the overall number of unplanned puppies every year while improving your pet's behavior and decreasing their risk of some serious health conditions is to spay or neuter your dog. 

  Dog Spaying Benefits

  You can help prevent serious health problems such as pyometra (a potentially life-threatening uterine infection) and mammary cancer in your female dog by spaying her. 

  Dog Neutering Benefits

  Male dog neutering helps to prevent testicular cancer from developing. The procedure may also help reduce unwanted behaviors such as humping, dog aggression and straying. 

• When should I have my pet spayed? What age?

  Ask your veterinarian about the best age to have your cat or dog spayed or neutered. Some research indicates there may be long-term health benefits to spaying or neutering dogs after they have passed through puberty. 

  Many veterinary professionals recommend that female pets be spayed before their first heat, which can happen as early as five months of age. However, there is increasing evidence that this is too young as the animals have not been allowed to fully grow and develop.

• What should I know about the recovery process for my pet?

  Spaying

  Following a spay surgery, some clinics will want to keep your dog or cat for one night, while others will let her go home on the same day. The rule of thumb is to restrict activity for 7 to 10 days. 

  Neutering 

  If there are no complications or other health issues, your dog or cat will likely be able to go home on the same day of the procedure, with activity restricted for a few days while their incision heals. 

  For both procedures, we may offer a protective collar to keep your pet from licking the incision. 

  Typically, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled to assess how well your pet has healed and to remove the stitches. 

• Will my pet feel anything during the procedure?

  No, we will provide your pet with general anesthesia, and the cat or dog will not feel anything during the procedure. 

• Will my pet gain weight after the procedure?

  Your kitten or puppy will continue to grow to their full adult weight after their spay or neuter procedure. This will naturally include some weight gain. 

  That said, your pet will not gain weight as a direct result of being spayed or neutered.

• Is this service part of your Pet Wellness Plans?

  Since they are one-time procedures, spay and neuter services are not included in Wellness Plans. 

  However, if you have purchased a Wellness Plan for your pet, you qualify for 10% off the spay or neuter procedure.