Spaying or neutering your pet can help to prolong its life, prevent common behavior problems, and also help to reduce populations in overcrowded shelters.
Spay and Neuter Services in Concord
Why it’s Important to Spay or Neuter Your Pet
Spaying or neutering your pet is essential for helping to reduce the overall pet population, and it also comes with some health and behavioral benefits. Spaying and neutering can:
- Prevent uterine infections in females and lower cancer risk, helping them lead a longer and happier life.
- Prevent testicular cancer in male pets and reduce the risk of future prostate problems.
- Keep your female pets from going into heat and marking areas around your home.
- Keep your male pet from unsafely roaming in search of a mate.
- Prevent your male pet from marking its territory in your home by urinating.
- Prevent complications in female pets that can arise from pregnancy.
When is the Best Time to Spay or Neuter Your Cat or Dog
For female dogs, the ideal time frame to spay is between six and nine months. Male dogs can be neutered as young as two months if they are healthy and a good weight. They can also be neutered as adults, though there may be more complications in older dogs if they are overweight. If your dog has had their first heat, but you are still looking to have them spayed, it can be done after they are out of heat. Cats can be spayed at any time.
Cats can be spayed and neutered as young as six weeks old. It is often recommended to have them fixed sooner rather than later if you want to reduce the chance of marking behaviors. All cats should be fixed by five months of age if possible.
Discuss your spay and neutering plans with your veterinarian. They will help you determine the best time for your pet’s procedure based on the status of their health.
What to Expect During Spay or Neuter Services
Both neutering and spaying services will be performed under general anesthesia, which means that your pet will be completely asleep during the process and experience no pain. Before the breathing tube or face mask is used to put your pet under, they will be given a sedative to help them sleep. Your pet’s vitals will be monitored throughout the surgery to ensure that the process is safe.
During the spaying process, an incision will be made in the abdomen. The uterus, ovaries, and tubes will be removed through the incision. The incision will then be stitched under the top layer of skin with dissolvable sutures and staples. Glue or stitches will seal up the incision on the exterior part of the skin and may require removal at a later time. This process takes between 15 to 20 minutes for cats and anywhere from 20 to 90 minutes for dogs.
The neutering process is much quicker and can be done in as little as a few minutes for male cats and usually between 5 to 10 minutes for dogs. During the procedure, an incision will be made near or on the scrotum, and the testicles will be removed. Internal stitches placed will be dissolvable, but exterior stitches or staples may need to be removed.
How to Prepare Your Pet for Surgery
Your veterinarian will provide presurgical instructions to help your pet’s spay and neuter process go as smoothly as possible. You will be advised to withhold food from your pet after midnight before the procedure. If your pet is small or young, your veterinarian may allow them to be fed closer to the procedure to ensure it has the proper nutrition they need.
Helping Your Pet Recover From Surgery
After the procedure, your veterinarian will provide you with post-operative instructions to ensure proper recovery. While your pet will likely experience mild discomfort after the surgery, there will be no significant pain. Depending on how the procedure went, your veterinarian may send you home with pain medication. or provide you with over-the-counter pain management alternatives. In addition to following the post-operative care instructions from your veterinarian, you can also assist your pet with its recovery by:
- Creating a safe indoor space for them to rest away from other pets and small children.
- Limit their activity as needed to prevent issues with stitches.
- Keeping your pet from licking its wound, which could lead to an infection. If your dog tends to lick, your veteran may recommend a collar.
- Keeping your pet’s incision clean and dry for at least ten days following their procedure.
- Checking the incision site for redness, swelling, or other signs of infection.
- Monitoring your pet for changes in appetite, fatigue, diarrhea, and vomiting. Any of these issues should be immediately reported to your veterinarian.
- Keeping up with any follow-up visits and contacting your veterinarian with any concerns about their healing or post
Contact Concord Veterinary Clinic to Discuss Your Pet’s Spay or Neuter Procedure
Are you looking for a veterinarian in Concord to perform spay or neuter services on your pet? Or perhaps you want to learn more about the procedure and the best time to have it done on your pet. The staff at Concord Veterinary Clinic is here to help. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
After the procedure, your veterinarian will provide you with post-operative instructions to ensure proper recovery. While your pet will likely experience mild discomfort after the surgery, there will be no significant pain. Depending on how the procedure went, your veterinarian may send you home with pain medication. or provide you with over-the-counter pain management alternatives. In addition to following the post-operative care instructions from your veterinarian, you can also assist your pet with its recovery by:
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