When to Spay or Neuter Your Cat or Dog
The general rule of thumb for spay and neuter surgery is at about 6 months of age. However, this number can fluctuate for individual pets based on their breed and gender. For instance, females have a greater reduced risk of developing mammary gland tumors if they are spayed before their first heat cycle, which can happen as early as 4 months for kittens. Meanwhile, larger breed dogs need their reproductive hormones to help control their growth spurts, so a later surgery, after they are done growing, is better (usually between 12-18 months).
Benefits of Spaying and Neutering Your Pet in Stone Mountain, GA
Spay and neuter surgeries have a range of benefits for both males and females including:
Cat & Dog Spay
- Not as likely to roam to find a mate (roaming leads to escapes that could result in car accidents or encounters with wild animals)
- Not as likely to exhibit urine-spraying behavior
- No messy, frustrating heat cycles
- Less chance of developing mammary gland tumors
- No risk of pyometra, a dangerous uterine infection
- No risk of ovarian or uterine cancers
Cat & Dog Neuter
- Not as likely to roam to find a mate (roaming leads to escapes that could result in car accidents or encounters with wild animals)
- Lessened aggression
- Not as likely to exhibit urine-spraying behavior
- Less likely to exhibit mounting behavior
- Reduced risk of prostate problems
- No chance of testicular cancer
Schedule an appointment today with one of our veterinarians so we can discuss your puppy or kitten’s best option for a timely surgery. We look forward to working with you and your pet!