Our furry patients are all individuals. Just like people, Fido and Fluffy require different types of care, which will vary a bit according to their age, size, breed, and health. While our advice on nutrition and exercise varies, we do advocate spay/neuter surgery for all dogs and cats. This essay, written by a local veterinarian, discusses some of the reasons it’s beneficial to get your pet fixed.
Why Is Getting My Pet Spayed Or Neutered Important?
This is considered standard care in most situations, and for many reasons. Here are some of the key ones:
Fixing Your Pet Helps Combat Pet Overpopulation
The primary reason for getting pets spayed or neutered is to limit the number of unwanted litters in the world. Pet overpopulation is a major issue that, sadly, is frequently a contributing element in situations of neglect, abuse, and hoarding. Each year, millions of dogs and cats are euthanized. Millions more have to fend for themselves. Homeless dogs and cats face various challenges, including starvation, the elements, parasites, disease, and injuries.
We all know that puppies and kittens are cute. Unfortunately, even if you find homes for your pet’s children, there is no guarantee that their own litters or future descendants will fare as well. With so many homeless creatures out there fending for themselves, it’s simply the more responsible thing to do.
Don’t assume that your pet won’t have much of an impact. A couple of cats may produce 2, 072, 514 offspring in just nine years! Fido isn’t far behind: in just six years, a pair of puppies can have up to 67,000 offspring, with the average litter size ranging from six to 10 puppies.
Pets That Are Fixed Are Healthier
Spaying and neutering also provide medicinal benefits. The operation virtually eliminates the danger of genital cancer and significantly reduces your pet’s chances of having other types of cancer, including prostate, breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer. Fixed pets are less likely to develop urinary tract infections. Preventing these issues is easier—and less expensive—than treating them. For more particular information, consult your veterinarian.
Pets Are Less Likely To Roam After Being Fixed
While pets attempt to flee for a variety of reasons, one of the most powerful motivators is the desire to mate. If you allow your pet to walk off your property, the risk of them being lost, hurt, or even killed increases significantly. Intact dogs and cats often run off to go looking for love. Threats such as automobiles, weather, wild animals, poisons, parasites, and sickness pose big threats to animals on the loose. Once your pet is fixed, they will no longer have the hormonal need to seek a mate. You won’t have to bother with your cat trying to escape every time you open the door, or Fido attempting to dig out from under the fence.
Fixed Pets Have A Longer Life Expectancy
Did you know that pets who have been fixed live longer? This makes sense when you think about it. For females, the inherent hazards associated with pregnancy and delivery are eliminated. These risks can be very serious in dogs: if a dog impregnates a much smaller canine, the female’s and babies’ lives may be jeopardized.
Furthermore, because fixed pets are less prone to run away, they are less likely to sustain injury or harm. An intact male dog or cat may engage in a fight with another unrestrained male.
Pets Are Calmer After Being Fixed
Another important reason to get your pet fixed is that they will be naturally calmer afterwards. You may be amazed at how much impact a reduction in hormonal desires may make. You may notice a decrease in undesired behaviors such as digging, chewing, and attempting to escape.
Furthermore, most fixed pets are more mellow overall. Don’t be surprised if Fido and Fluffy become more cuddly, too. Without the desire to find a partner, they will be more focused on you. After all, you are at the center of their world.
Fixed Pets Are Less Likely To Spray
This may be sufficient grounds to schedule the procedure. Pets frequently spray to indicate their territory. After surgery, the urge to spray decreases, if not completely disappears. While some mature animals continue to spray following surgery, the majority of pets stop doing so.
Cats Will Not Yowl As Much After Being Fixed
This one may be a bonus, but we can’t overstate its significance. If you’ve ever heard an amorous kitty perform a love song, we sympathize. Fluffy enjoys publicly announcing her single status by singing. This may be fine, except that her caterwauling has nothing to do with music. While other cats may find the sounds pleasant, most of us are grateful to have our ears spared.
Faqs About Spay/Neuter Surgery.
How Long Will It Take My Pet To Recover From Spay/Neuter Surgery?
In general, pets get over the ‘hump’ of recuperation within the first 3-5 days. However, it takes ten to fourteen days for them to completely heal. During this period, minimize your pet’s physical activities. Do not encourage them to run, jump, or play vigorously until your veterinarian has given you the go-ahead.
How Do I Care for My Pet After Surgery?
Your animal clinic will give you aftercare guidelines. These are usually one-sheet printouts or pamphlets. Read the instructions carefully and follow them exactly. You may need to give your pet pain medication and change their diet while they recover.
Aside from that, make sure your furry pal has a clean, comfortable spot to relax. Now is a fantastic time to acquire a new bed! You may also need to limit their movement. You can use a crate, carrier, or kennel for this. A puppy pen might also work.
How Can I Help My Pet Heal Following Spay/Neuter Surgery?
Most importantly, follow the instructions. Keep an eye on your pet and allow them to relax. You’ll want to make sure they don’t tear at their stitches. Your veterinarian may recommend an Elizabethan collar, often known as the Lampshade or Cone of Shame, or an inflatable collar.
Pay close attention to the incision site! Look for indicators of complication, such as redness, swelling, bad odors, fever, bleeding, and pus. Other warning indications include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, shaking, and breathing problems. Lethargy is another red flag. Your pet may be sluggish when you bring them home, but this should wear off quickly. If you detect anything odd, contact your clinic immediately.
How Much Does Spay/Neuter Surgery Cost?
Prices will differ from place to place. The charges may also be changed to reflect your pet’s age, size, and condition. However, it is always less expensive to have this treatment performed than to pay for health difficulties or the costs connected with rearing a litter. You might also want to consider vouchers or low-cost spay/neuter services.
What If I Want To Breed My Pet?
It’s not uncommon for people to want to breed their pets. That’s fine! Just err on the side of safety. Follow your vet’s guidance before, during, and after your furry pal’s pregnancy. We also specialize in many areas of pet reproduction, such as dog insemination, ovulation tests, progesterone tests, and artificial insemination. If you are looking for a great Longwood, FL vet for dog pregnancy, cat pregnancy, or caring for newborn kittens and puppies, contact us.
Contact Our Longwood, FL Pet Clinic
Do you need to arrange a spay/neuter for your pet? Contact us at your Longwood, FL animal hospital today!
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