Support the fight against animal overpopulation
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. The unexpected offspring of these liaisons often fill shelters and are never given chances at happy, love-filled lives as beloved pets.
Spaying
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. The ideal timing for a spay surgery will depend on the dog’s breed and size. This will be discussed in detail by your veterinarian, but timing is variable. Many females only require an ovariectomy (removal of ovaries only) and this can be discussed with your pet’s Aztec Animal Clinic veterinarian.
Benefits
This procedure has many notable benefits including:
- Prevents unwanted pregnancies
- Eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine tumors
- Removes the possibility of uterine infections
Neutering
Neutering can be performed on pets when they are as young as four to six months old, but it is often delayed (especially in large breed dogs).
Benefits
Neutering provides pets with many important health benefits:
- Prevents unwanted reproduction
- Placates the animal, reducing aggressive behavior and decreasing dominant tendencies
- Reduces roaming and spraying (territory marking)
- Eliminates the risk of testicular and prostate tumors
- Prevents prostatic enlargement (BPH)
To learn more about spaying and neutering, or to schedule an appointment, contact your Aztec Animal Clinic veterinarian today.