Spaying and neutering pets, also called sterilizing, is essential for reducing the population of unwanted animals. In the United States, between 6 and 8 million homeless animals end up in shelters each year. Of that number, 2.7 million healthy animals are euthanized. Sterilizing your pet improves their behavior and health while combating the problems of overpopulation. Now that you understand why you should fix your pet, here’s what you should know about spaying and neutering.

An Explanation of Spay and Neuter Procedures

Spaying

Spaying is performed on female pets. It involves removing the animal’s reproductive organs, usually both the ovaries and uterus. Cats can be spayed once they’re about six months old. Dogs are typically spayed when they reach eight weeks. Spaying surgery is more complicated than neutering. It’s often also more expensive and a bit riskier, though the procedure is still considered very safe.

The veterinarian shaves the animal’s stomach before making an incision. They then remove the reproductive organs and close the incision. Animals are given meds for pain and discomfort, but it may take up to two weeks for them to recover fully. After the procedure, females are more affectionate with their owners, although they may be more aggressive with strangers. After spaying, they’ll no longer go into heat.

Neutering

Neutering male pets remove the testicles. A male kitten can be neutered once he weighs three pounds. When a dog reaches his eighth-week birthday, he can be neutered, but some vets may delay surgery until an animal is six months old.

To neuter a pet, a vet makes an incision in the scrotum and removes the testicles, tying off the testicle stalks. It’s not an invasive procedure, and your pet will probably be just fine after the effects of the anaesthesia fade. Don’t, however, put a pet in stressful situations for a few days. After neutering, males are usually less aggressive.

If your pet needs to be spayed or neutered, call the experts at Florence Veterinary Hospital. They’ve been serving the Boone Country, KY, community for over 30 years with cutting-edge technologies. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call (859) 371-6501 to set up an appointment for spaying or neutering.