December
is
Spay
& Neuter Month!!
For
the entire month of December,
Lakewood Veterinary Hospital will be
offering:
10%
off
Spays
& Neuters*
*
All spay & neuter procedures are performed under general
anesthesia
What
You Should Know About Spaying and Neutering
Is
there a pet population problem?
Every year, millions
of unwanted dogs and cats, including puppies and kittens, are needlessly
euthanized. The good news is that every pet owner can make a difference.
By having your dog or cat surgically sterilized, you will do your part to
prevent the birth of unwanted puppies and kittens and enhance your pet's health
and quality of life.
What
about pet behavior and pet reproduction?
Contrary to what some
people believe, getting pregnant — even once — does not improve the behavior of
female dogs and cats. In fact, the mating instinct may lead to undesirable
behaviors and result in undue stress on both the owner and the animal.
Also, while some pet owners may have good intentions, few are prepared for
the work involved in monitoring their pet's pregnancy, caring for the puppies or
kittens and locating good homes for them.
What
is surgical sterilization?
During
surgical sterilization, a veterinarian removes certain reproductive organs.
If your cat or dog is a female, the veterinarian will usually remove her
ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. The medical name for this surgery is
an ovariohysterectomy, although it is commonly called "spaying." If your
pet is a male, the testicles are removed and the operation is called an
orchiectomy, commonly referred to as castration or simply
"neutering."
While both spaying and
neutering are major surgical procedures, they are also the most common surgeries
performed by veterinarians on cats and dogs. Before the procedure, your
pet is given a thorough physical examination to ensure that it is in good
health. General anesthesia is administered during the surgery and
medications are given to minimize pain. You will be asked to keep your pet
calm and quiet for a few days after surgery until the incision begins to
heal.
What
are the benefits to society of spaying and
neutering?
Both surgeries prevent
unwanted litters and eliminate many of the behavioral problems associated with
the mating instinct.
What
are the benefits to spaying my female pet?
Female
dogs experience a "heat" cycle approximately every six months, depending upon
the breed. A female dog's heat cycle can last as long as 21 days, during
which your dog may leave blood stains in the house and may become anxious,
short-tempered and actively seek a mate. A female dog in heat may be more
likely to fight with other female dogs, including other females in the same
household.
Female
cats can come into heat every two weeks during breeding season until they become
pregnant. During this time they may engage in behaviors such as frequent
yowling and urination in unacceptable places.
Spaying eliminates
heat cycles and generally reduces the unwanted behaviors that may lead to owner
frustration and, ultimately, a decision to relinquish the pet to a shelter.
Most importantly, early spaying of female dogs and cats can help protect
them from some serious health problems later in life such as uterine infections
and breast cancer.
What
are the benefits of neutering my male pet?
At
maturity (on average, 6 to 9 months of age), male dogs and cats are capable of
breeding. Both male dogs and cats are likely to begin "marking" their
territories by spraying strong-smelling urine on your furniture, curtains, and
in other places in your house. Also, given the slightest chance, intact
males may attempt to escape from home and roam in search of a mate. Dogs
and cats seeking a female in heat can become aggressive and may injure
themselves, other animals, or people by engaging in fights. Roaming
animals are also more likely to be hit by cars.
Neutering male dogs
and cats reduces the breeding instinct and can have a calming effect, making
them less inclined to roam and more content to stay at home. Neutering
your male pet can also lessen its risk of developing prostate disease and
testicular cancer.
Are
there risks associated with the surgery?
Like any surgical
procedure, sterilization is associated with some anesthetic and surgical risk,
but the overall incidence of complications is very
low.
What
is the best age to spay or neuter my pet?
Please consult with
our veterinarians about the most appropriate time to spay or neuter your pet
based upon its breed, age and physical condition. Please also keep in mind
that, contrary to popular belief, it is not best to wait until your female dog
or cat has gone through its first heat cycle.
Will
the surgery affect my pet's disposition or
metabolism?
The procedure has no
effect on a pet's intelligence or ability to learn, play, work or hunt.
Most pets tend to be better behaved following the surgery, making them
more desirable companions. Also, this surgery will not make your pet fat.
Feeding your pet a balanced diet and providing regular exercise will help
keep your pet at a healthy weight and prevent the health risks associated with
obesity.
procedures, please contact our office at (704) 662-6077. Thank you.
