As your puppies and kittens start getting older, it's time to think about spaying or neutering your pet. We're here to answer your questions about this very common veterinary procedure. At Santaluz Animal Care our goal to provide your pet with comprehensive health services.

What is Spaying and Neutering?

Pets that aren't sterilized can have litters of young back to back, and average pregnancies for dogs and cats are quite short. Females undergo spaying, a surgical procedure called ovariohysterectomy, which involves the removal of the uterus and both ovaries. Males are neutered, which is the removal of both testes and the associated epididymis. These procedures can also be known as castration, a term that can be used for surgery of either sex. All of these surgeries can be referred to as gonadectomy, or removal of the gonads or reproductive organs.

Does Your Pet Need to Be Spayed or Neutered?

There are a few reasons to consider spaying or neutering your pet, the top reason being to keep the pet population down, thereby reducing the number of homeless pets in shelters. Castration removes the heat cycle and reduces the risk of mammary cancer in females, and also reduces the risk of testicular cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia in males. It can also decrease the likelihood of your pet developing unwanted behaviors such and humping, roaming, catcalling, and spraying.

When Is It Safe to Neuter Your Pet?

Generally, it is safe to begin thinking about spaying or neutering your pet at around eight weeks of age, though, for dogs, the traditional age for neutering is six to nine months. Early castration helps to curb undesirable behaviors of young pets that are sexually maturing and often, the closer to the earliest age they can be spayed or neutered, the easier it is on the pet. They are given an anesthetic and the surgery is usually fairly short. Afterward, your pet will spend some time in recovery to make sure there are no complications.

Homeward Bound

When your pet comes home with you, you'll want to make sure they get plenty of rest and limit their physical activity. This might mean making sure they don't have to do a lot of climbing or jumping. For males, you might notice that they aren't fully stitched; this is perfectly normal to allow for drainage. Your pet should recover in several days, but be sure to watch for signs of infection as your pet heals. If you notice the area is becoming red or inflamed, call your veterinarian in Rancho Santa Fe.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

At Santaluz Animal Care, we want to help make your pet as healthy and happy as can be. Contact us today to book your pet's spay or neuter appointment at (858) 258-5590. Serving Fairbanks Ranch 4S Ranch Del Mar and surrounding areas.