Spay and neuter services for pets in Concord, NC.
Preventing pregnancy isn’t the only reason to spay and neuter your pets, though it is certainly important. At Mills Creek Animal Hospital, we also recommend it for the sake of their long-term health and for the betterment of all dogs and cats in the Concord, NC, area. When animals have an unplanned litter, many of the puppies or kittens will end up in shelters or become strays.
When the strays reproduce, this leads to a significant increase in not only the stray population but the shelter animal population as well. This puts a lot of strain on shelters, which often have to euthanize otherwise healthy animals. To combat this cycle and help more dogs and cats find loving homes, we recommend that every pet be spayed or neutered.
How long should I wait to spay or neuter my pet?
Most dogs and cats can be safely spayed or neutered at 6 months old. This can vary, however, depending on their size and overall health. Large and extra-large dog breeds rely on their sex hormones to help them grow. Because they take longer to grow than smaller breeds, these dogs usually have to wait until they are at least a year old to be spayed or neutered. Spaying/neutering too soon can interfere with their growth and result in joint problems.
Spaying and neutering dogs and cats have far more benefits than risks, and it can improve both your pet’s lifelong health and behavior. If you have questions about spaying and neutering and want to discuss your pet’s options, call us today at 704-802-1005.
The most important spay and neuter benefits for dogs and cats.
While your pet’s chances of becoming pregnant or making another animal pregnant may be low, there are several crucial health benefits to consider on their behalf, including:
Benefits of spay and neuter surgery for dogs and cats:
- Minimal risk of developing mammary gland tumors (females)
- No risk for ovarian or uterine cancer (females)
- No risk for pyometra, life-threatening uterine infection (females)
- Minimal risk of developing prostate problems (males)
- No risk for testicular cancer (males)
- No recurring heat cycle (females)
- Less likely to engage in hormone-driven behaviors, such as aggression, roaming to find a mate, mounting furniture or other animals, vocalizing, or urine marking in the house (males)