When to Spay and Neuter Cats and Dogs
As with any other service we provide for your pet, we have to take their unique needs and personal lifestyle into account to decide when to spay or neuter. Cats and small and medium-sized dogs can typically undergo surgery between 4-6 months. Spaying females before their first heat cycle can significantly minimize their risk for reproductive cancer. For large and extra-large breeds, however, we recommend waiting until they are 12-18 months old before doing surgery. These breeds need more time to finish growing, because their reproductive hormones play an essential role in their development.
The Key Benefits of Spay and Neuter for Dogs and Cats
There are many positives to spaying and neutering pets in addition to reducing overpopulation.
Cat & Dog Spay Surgery
- Limits hormone-driven behaviors such as running off and roaming around to find a mate, which can put your pet in danger of being hit by a car or attacked by another animal
- Limits hormone-driven behaviors like urine spraying
- Puts an end to heat cycles
- Reduces risks for ovarian and uterine cancers, pyometra, and mammary gland tumors
Why Neuter Your Male Pet:
- Reduces or prevents pets from roaming in search of a mate and potentially putting themselves in danger
- Can reduce the likelihood for aggressive behavior, especially if there are in-heat females nearby
- Limits other hormone-driven behaviors such as urine spraying and mounting
- Reduces risks for prostate cancer
- Prevents testicular cancer
To talk more in-depth about your pet’s spay and neuter options and help you set an appointment date, call us at (404) 924-8690.