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Spaying and neutering are surgeries that prevent animals from producing offspring, thus reducing the number of unplanned litters in your home and community.

Statistics show that millions of cats and dogs undergo euthanasia every year in the United States because they do not have homes. Spaying and neutering help reduce pet homelessness and euthanasia among dogs and cats.

 

Is getting spayed or neutered healthy for your pet? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about spaying and neutering.

What Is the Difference Between Spaying and Neutering?

Spaying and neutering are surgical procedures that vet surgeons perform under general anesthesia. Spaying is for female pets, and neutering is for male pets. A spay removes the female's ovaries and uterus, while neutering removes the male's testes. Neutering is a simpler/less invasive procedure than spaying.

What Happens During Spay and Neuter Procedures?

During a spay, the vet surgeon cuts your pet's abdomen to remove both ovaries and the uterus. The vet can perform the procedure laparoscopically. Laparoscopic surgery allows the vet to remove the reproductive organs using smaller incisions.

 

During neutering, the vet surgeon makes an incision near the scrotum's front part and takes out the testicles through that cut.

 

Is Recovery Faster for Neutering Than Spaying?

Yes, neutered pets recover faster than spayed ones. Recovery from neutering can take two to three days, while spayed pets may require 10 to 14 days of downtime. Also, younger pets usually recover faster than older ones.

Why Spay or Neuter Your Pet?

Spaying or neutering your pet can help your pet live healthier and longer. It can help:

 

• Prevent unwelcome offspring and pet homelessness

• Reduce the risk of certain health problems. Unspayed and unneutered pets risk developing life-threatening tumors, cancers, and infections in their reproductive organs

• Lower the discomfort and aggressive behaviors of pets going into heat

• Reduce hormonal changes that can cause illnesses such as diabetes
  
   

At What Age Should You Spay or Neuter Your Pet?

It is generally recommended to spay females between 5 to 10 months of age. Neutering for male pets should happen after growth stops, which is at ages 6 to 9 months for smaller breeds and 12 to 18 months for giant or larger ones. Your vet can help determine the best time to spay or neuter your pet.

What Are Some Side Effects of Spaying and Neutering?

Spaying or neutering can cause post-surgery complications for pets when performed at the wrong age. It may increase the risk of obesity and health problems in older pets.

 

Similarly, spaying your pet too early can cause them to develop urinary incontinence, bone cancer, torn ligaments, and hip dysplasia. Neutering before time will deny your pet the sex hormones necessary for growth.

 

What Happens If You Do Not Spay or Neuter Your Pet?

Pets can develop serious health problems when not spayed or neutered. A female pet can develop breast tumors and uterine infections, while male pets can have testicular cancer and other prostate problems.


 

For more on spaying/neutering, visit Bergen County Veterinary Center at our office in Waldwick, New Jersey. Call 201-205-2500​​​​​​​ to book an appointment today.