February is Spay & Neuter Awareness Month – a perfect time to talk about one of the most important decisions responsible pet owners can make for their pet’s long-term health and wellbeing. If you’ve been wondering whether or when to spay or neuter your furry family member, here are answers to some of the most common questions our team hears at Compassionate Animal Care, a vet clinic in Queen Creek. Call 480.774.6995 today.
Q: What does “spay” and “neuter” actually mean?
A: Neutering, technically, is the ‘desexing of a pet”; that means castration for males and spaying/ovariohysterectomy for females.
In common language, spaying is the term used for a surgical procedure that prevents female pets from becoming pregnant, while neutering is the term used for the procedure done to male pets that prevents them from fathering litters. Both are routine surgeries performed under anesthesia and are considered safe and effective.
Q: Why is spaying or neutering so important?
A: Beyond preventing unplanned litters, these procedures offer significant health and behavioral benefits. Spaying can help prevent uterine infections and reduce the risk of mammary tumors in females. Neutering can reduce the risk of certain prostate issues and testicular cancer in males, as well as preventing perianal hernias.
These procedures can also prevent passing on undesirable or harmful genetic traits, such as joint problems, dental issues, some hernia types, problems with the genitalia themselves such as hooded vulvas and testicles not descending, as well as undesirable personality traits.
Spayed and neutered pets may also be less likely to roam, mark territory, or display certain aggressive behaviors.
Q: When should my pet be spayed or neutered?
A: The ideal timing can vary depending on your pet’s species, breed, size, and overall health. Many pets are spayed or neutered around six to 12 months of age, but some may benefit from earlier or later timing. We’re happy to discuss what’s best for your individual pet.
Q: Is the surgery safe?
A: Yes. Spay and neuter procedures are among the most commonly performed surgeries in veterinary medicine. Your pet will receive a thorough exam beforehand, anesthesia monitoring during the procedure, and pain management to ensure comfort and safety.
Q: Will my pet’s personality change?
A: Your pet’s core personality will stay the same. However, some hormone-driven behaviors – like roaming, yowling, or marking – may decrease. Most pets remain just as playful, affectionate, and loving as ever.
Q: How long is recovery?
A: Recovery is typically quick from a spay & neuter procedure. Most pets are back to their normal selves within 7 – 14 days. We’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions to help your pet heal comfortably at home.
Q: Will my pet get fat?
A: When we spay/neuter a pet, we are removing a major system that burns a lot of calories; often, the procedure is done around the same time the pet is done growing, which was another major use of calories. Between these two changes, their calorie needs often reduce by 30-50% in a very short time span.
Due to hormonal changes, they may also be less able to regulate their own food intake, so owners do need to monitor their weight in consultation with us or your own veterinarian.
Q: The breeder/internet says they should go through their first heat/pregnancy first. Is that true?
A: Most pets do not gain anything positive from going through a heat cycle. Even going through one heat cycle increases your pet’s risk of mammary cancer (breast cancer), and even on the first heat cycle there is a risk of getting a pyometra (infection of the uterus). Sometimes the recommendation is to wait to spay until a pet is skeletally mature and those pets will have naturally gone through a heat cycle by that point.
Spaying right after their first cycle does not gain the same benefits. Pregnancy prior to spaying also increases the risk involved in the procedure, and has no emotional or developmental benefit for pets.
Q: Is it expensive to get my pet fixed?
A: There are many options for locations to take your pet to be spayed. The cost will vary based on lots of factors which may include:
- How many surgeries they complete in the surgery block
- How personalized your pet’s care is
- What kind of monitoring is used
- What bloodwork is done prior to the procedure
- Whether things like fluids/catheter/pain meds are used
- What meds are sent home for after-care
Keep in mind it is more expensive to pay for an emergency spay or C-section, if they should develop problems. Talk to us about an estimate for your pet.
Q: Is my pet too old to get fixed?
A: As they get older there are fewer benefits to fixing your pet, but they still exist. We cannot take back your pet’s mammary cancer risk, and we cannot strengthen muscles in your male dog to prevent a hernia, so earlier is better. Parts that are no longer present cannot cause infection or get cancers.
Q: Should my pet’s breed undergo anesthesia?
A: There are some breeds that vary in their anesthetic risk. Anesthetic protocols can be altered to account for these. Sometimes there will be other recommendations, such as further testing before a particular breed is anesthetized.
More Questions? Contact Compassionate Animal Care Today
Spay & Neuter Awareness Month is a great reminder that this simple procedure can make a lifelong difference – for your pet and for the community.
If you have other spay or neuter questions or would like to schedule a consultation at Compassionate Animal Care, contact our clinic today at 480.774.6995. We’re here to help you make the best choice for your pet’s health and happiness. 🐾
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