We recommend spaying and neutering pets after they are
6 MONTHS OLD
depending on breed and physical condition. While both spaying and neutering are major surgeries, they are also the most common surgeries performed on dogs and cats at Arrowhead Animal Hospital, P.C. Your pet is given a thorough pre-op physical examination and the safest anesthesia and pain management available.
After doing an exam on your pet, the doctor will present you with an estimate that goes over all the costs for the procedure. At that time, we are happy to schedule this for you. Spaying and neutering your pets come with a myriad of health and behavioral benefits that allow them to live longer, happier lives. Some of the benefits of spaying and neutering your pets include:
Elimination of Heat Cycles
Female dogs experience a heat cycle approximately every 6 months that can last as long as 21 days. During that time your female dog will leave blood stains in the house and may become anxious, short-tempered and actively seek a mate. Female cats can come into heat every 2 weeks during breeding season until they become pregnant. During this time they may frequently yowl and urinate in unacceptable places.
Behavior
Male dogs and cats are mature enough for breeding at 6-9 months of age. At that age they are likely to start “marking” their territory in virtually any part of the house. They may attempt to escape from home and roam in search of a mate. When seeking a mate their behavior may become aggressive.
Overpopulation and Homelessness
There are approximately 6.5 million dogs and cats in shelters, and about 1.5 million of these animals are euthanized each year. Making the decision to spay and neuter your pets prevents overpopulation in shelters, saving the lives of animals in shelters.
Healthier Pets
Protects against future health problems: It reduces the risk of prostate disease, testicular cancer and infections. Removes the possibility of uterine infections and reduces the chances of breast cancer tremendously.
Here at Arrowhead, we encourage all pet parents to spay and neuter their canine and feline friends. In addition to helping control Westminsters’ pet population, spaying ( i.e., overiohysterectomy)(i.e., orchiectomy) your pet comes along with a host of health benefits. If it is time to spay or neuter your pet, we offer the best care and equipment for a swift procedure and recovery.
THE PROCEDURE
All procedures are performed under anesthesia with our certified veterinary technicians monitoring your pet from the time they arrive at our hospital to the time they go home with you. Pain management medications are included and are used to keep your pet comfortable during their stay and when they are recovering at home.
Laparoscopic Spays: Our laparoscopic equipment is a system made by BioVision which allows us to use only a single port for Ovariohysterectomies or Ovariectomies. A very small 3/8 inch incision is all that is needed and your dog will be 65% less painful than had she been spayed with the traditional technique. Laparoscopic procedures are safer because the surgeon can completely visualize the entire abdominal cavity and can watch for any bleeding from the surgical site.
