Spay and Neuter FAQs

Do you have reservations about spaying or neutering your pet due to misconceptions about these procedures? At St. Francis Hospital for Animals, we want you to have the facts so you can make wise pet care decisions. Here are some of the questions pet owners ask most frequently about spay and neuter surgery.

Spay and Neuter FAQs

Why should I have my pet spayed or neutered?

Spay and neuter surgery is designed to sterilize your pet so it cannot reproduce. If you don’t want to breed your pet and are not interested in caring for litters of puppies or kittens, having your dog or cat fixed is the best solution to preventing unwanted/unexpected pregnancies.   

What are the benefits of spaying or neutering my pet?

In addition to preventing unwanted pregnancies, spay and neuter surgery offers health benefits for your pet. Pets that are spayed or neutered aren’t at risk of developing reproductive cancers, tumors, and infections that can threaten their health. Fixing your female before her first heat eliminates undesirable behaviors associated with the heat cycle, such as yowling at night or spraying urine around your home. Neutering your male pet can reduce aggressive tendencies and eliminate his desire to roam. Sterilizing your pet also reduces the population of unwanted animals in shelters, which are often plagued with overcrowding.

When should I spay or neuter my pet?

Our veterinarian can help you determine the best time for spaying or neutering your pet, taking into consideration its size, breed, and health. Cats can be fixed as early as 8 weeks old. The average age for fixing dogs is around 6 months. Spay and neuter procedures are considered safe, routine procedures for dogs and cats.

Should a female have at least one litter before being spayed?

There’s no benefit to allowing your female to have one litter before being spayed. Early pregnancies can actually be detrimental to a female pet’s health. Spaying your female before her first heat will enable her to get maximum health benefits from the procedure.

How do I care for my pet after spay and neuter surgery?

Our pet should be kept calm and comfortable in a quiet corner of your home so it can rest and recuperate from the surgery. We recommend you check the incision site daily to ensure it heals properly and inform our vet if problems arise. Don’t let your pet bite or lick the wound during recovery. Your pet should be up and around within a few weeks of the procedure.

See Our Veterinarian in Oakdale, NY, for Spay and Neuter Surgery

To schedule spay or neuter surgery for your cat or dog, contact St. Francis Hospital for Animals in Oakdale, NY, at 631-567-1359.

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