We recommend getting your pet spayed or neutered at 6 months of age or as soon as possible after that. It prevents not only certain behavior issues but also certain diseases. During spay the ovaries and uterus of the female pet are removed surgically. Similarly, during neuter surgery the testicles of the male pet are removed. The following are some of the conditions that can be prevented by spaying and neutering your pet:
1. Avoiding unwanted litter: It is a lot of work to take care of multiple puppies and kittens born unplanned. Many of those pets may end up in shelter or put to sleep if not adopted.
2. Urine spraying: Male dogs and cats can start spraying urine to mark their territory. This can be easily prevented by neutering them while young.
3. Prostate/testicular diseases/cancer are more common in dogs that are not neutered. Neutering pets also help prevent perineal hernia which is the weakening of the muscles around the anal area, leading to slipping of intestine or urinary bladder under the skin.
4. Pyometra is pus in the uterus which can be life threatening for female pets. The only treatment for pyometra is spay which is much more complicated and risky for pet’s life when infected. Pyometra can happen both in dogs and cats. Learn more about pyometra at harmonypetclinic.com/pyometra/
5. Mammary gland tumors: Female dogs and cats that are not spayed are at much higher risk of developing mammary gland tumors (similar to breast cancer in people). Learn more about mammary gland tumors at harmonypetclinic.com/mammaryglandtumors/
More information at:
Spaying your female dog: https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951464
Spaying your female cat: https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951480
Neutering your male dog: https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951454
Neutering your male cat: https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951443
Spay and neuter timing and cancer in dogs: https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=10002077
