After adopting a dog or cat, you’ll want to take your new family member to a veterinarian for a health checkup. During this appointment, the veterinary staff will likely discuss spaying if your furry friend is female. If you’re unfamiliar with this procedure, here’s all you need to know about it and what it does to help you understand why you should consider it.

Understanding the Female Pet Spaying Process

What Is Spaying?

Spaying is a common procedure in which a veterinarian removes a female pet’s reproductive organs. In addition to preventing breeding, this can also curb heat cycles and unwanted behaviors, such as frequent urination. For this surgery, a vet will place your pet under general anesthesia to ensure she stays comfortable.

Why Is This Important?

Every year, roughly 6.5 million cats and dogs enter animal shelters, and of that number, only half are placed in forever homes. By spaying your pet, you’ll do your part to control animal populations and reduce the animal population in shelters and hospitals.

Spaying is also shown to bring health benefits for female pets, such as protecting them from breast cancer, tumors, and uterine infections. 

How Should I Care for My Pet Post-Surgery?

Your pet will receive stitches when she’s spayed, so set her bed in a comfortable area of your home where she won’t have to climb stairs or jump onto beds and couches to lay down. She may need to wear a cone or plastic collar to prevent her from biting or scratching at her stitches, so ensure it stays on. For the first few days after surgery, avoid physical activities with your pet and follow any veterinarian recommendations in regards to feeding, medication, and treatment of the surgical incision. Your vet will also schedule a follow-up visit to check on your furry friend’s recovery and remove the stitches.

If you’re interested in spaying a pet, visit the animal lovers at Maika'i Veterinary Clinic in Hilo, HI. As a one-stop shop for comprehensive animal care, they provide services such as neutering, vaccinations, animal surgery, stem cell therapy, and artificial insemination to keep the four-legged members of your family always healthy. Visit their website to learn more about what they do, or call (808) 959-2273 to schedule an appointment.