When Is the Right Time To Spay or Neuter Your Pet in Bluffton, SC?

There are numerous reasons why our pets should be spayed or neutered. Spaying or neutering your pet can help avoid unwanted pregnancies while also lowering the risk of mammary and testicular cancers. One of the most frequently asked questions is, “when is the right time to do it?” The answer is, it depends.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SPAY AND NEUTER?

• Spaying: A veterinary surgical operation known as a "spay" or ovariohysterectomy is done under general anesthesia. It entails the removal of the female animal’s uterus and ovaries via an abdominal incision.

• Neutering: The surgical removal of a male animal’s testes is known as neutering or castration. It is a simpler procedure than a spay but is also conducted under anesthesia. The testes are extracted via an incision made in the front of the scrotum.

WHEN IS THE BEST AGE FOR THIS?

Previously, dogs and cats were often spayed or neutered as young as six to eight weeks of age but new data shows that waiting longer can be helpful. Because the data and recommendations differ and are continuously changing, we recommend that you consult your veterinarian and consider their opinion. When to spay and neuter dogs, specifically, depends on their size and breed:

• Small-breed dogs should be neutered or spayed six months of age or before their first heat.
• Large-breed and giant-breed dogs should be neutered or spayed between nine and 15 months of age after they stop growing.

Depending on your dog's breed and lifestyle, your veterinarian can help you choose the best time for the procedure.

SOME REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT

• Spaying your female pet reduces her chances of developing mammary cancer, which is deadly to 50% of dogs and 90% of cats.
• Female pets should be spayed to avoid heat cycles, yowling, weeping, unpredictable behavior, and bloody vaginal discharge.
• Male pet neutering decreases unwanted habits including wandering to find a mate, marking inside your house, and fighting with other males.
• Neutering eliminates the occurrence of testicular cancer and decreases the risk of prostate disease.
  

The age at which you should spay or neuter your pet is determined by a variety of factors, including your goals for your animal. You should consult your veterinarian in Bluffton, SC, for the most up-to-date information. Knowledge of your pet's breed and potential disease risk can assist in making an informed decision about the appropriate time to do this procedure. If you have any questions regarding spaying or neutering your pet, contact Fetch A Vet at (843) 580-6209 to speak with one of our veterinarians.