Spay & Neuter
Every year thousands of stray and unwanted animals are euthanized in shelters across the United States. Many of these deaths are the avoidable result of owners failing to spay and neuter their pets. Even if you keep a close watch on your pet, accidents happen, and unexpected offspring means more animals that won’t be given the chance at full, happy lives.
Spaying and neutering your cat or dog can help end this cycle, and both procedures can have health benefits for pets. Westland Veterinary Hospital is experienced in both dog and cat spaying and neutering.
Spaying Your Cat or Dog
Spaying is a common surgical procedure performed on female cats and dogs. The process is called an ovariohysterectomy and involves removing the patient’s uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, rendering the animal incapable of reproduction. Westland Veterinary Hospital veterinarians recommend spaying your pet at 3-6 months, depending on your dog’s breed and ideally before the patient’s first heat.
Benefits of Getting Your Dog or Cat Spayed
- Prevents unwanted pregnancies
- Eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine tumors
- Remove the possibility of uterine infections
Recovery After Pet Spaying
Spaying is a major surgery requiring 7-10 days of recovery time. Recovery may also include pain medication and lethargy is common for the first couple of days following the procedure. A small, green tattoo is applied post-surgery that signifies that the cat or dog is spayed should she ever get lost or taken to a shelter.
Neutering Your Dog or Cat
Neutering is performed on male cats and dogs. This process castrates the animal, removing their testicles and making them unable to impregnate females. Neutering is advised when your pet is 4-6 months old but can be performed on older animals as well.
Benefits of Getting Your Dog or Cat Neutered
- Placates the animal, reducing aggressive behavior and decreasing dominant tendencies
- Reduces roaming and spraying (territory marking)
- Eliminates the risk of testicular and prostate tumors
Recovery After Pet Neutering
Although less invasive than spaying, neutering your cat or dog is still a major medical procedure that requires some recovery time. Recovery may also include pain medication and lethargy is common for the first couple of days following the procedure. It’s extremely important that you monitor your pet to prevent the animal from licking or biting the incision to reduce the risk of infection.
Schedule Pet Spaying & Neutering in Westland, MI
To learn more about pet spaying and neutering, or to get your dog or cat spayed or neutered, contact us at 734-261-5900 or Make An Appointment online.
