Spaying and neutering are common surgeries for cats and dogs. These procedures prevent unplanned litters that contribute to pet homelessness and can even help reduce your companion’s risk of developing certain health issues. If you’ve recently brought an animal home, you might wonder about these procedures and how they’ll help your furry friend. Here’s all you need to know about them.

What Is Spaying & What Are the Benefits?

An ovariohysterectomy is the sterilization process for female pets. In both dogs and cats, the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, and uterus are removed through incisions in the abdomen under general anesthesia. 

Female pets that have not been spayed experience estrus, or heats. This happens once or twice a year for dogs, and every three weeks during breeding season for cats. During this time, they release scents that attract unaltered males to your home. Loud yowling and urinating around the house are also common behavioral issues in unspayed female pets. Once spayed, your pet will no longer go through heats.

This procedure can also help prevent serious health problems later in life, including uterine infections and breast cancer.

What Is Neutering & What Are the Benefits?

Orchiectomies remove the testes from male cats and dogs. This type of procedure is less complex than spaying, requiring only a small incision near the front of the scrotum.

Unaltered male pets will often wander out at night in search of females, putting themselves at risk of getting into accidents. They also tend to be more aggressive and territorial, fighting with other animals and spraying urine to mark territory. While neutering does not guarantee that these instincts will go away, it does greatly reduce the likelihood that they’ll occur. Neutering male animals prevents testicular cancer and lowers their risk of developing some prostate problems. 

Is your pet in need of spaying or neutering? Trust Vintage Park Veterinary Clinic to provide safe, compassionate, and professional pet services. Located in Sacramento, CA, this animal clinic treats every pet like a member of their family. Their team is fully equipped to handle all of your furry friend’s health care needs. Call (916) 243-5855 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about their services.