When Should I Spay or Neuter My Pet?

June 30, 2021 1:57 am Published by Leave your thoughts

When you have a new kitten or puppy, you probably know that they need to be spayed or neutered—but when is the right time for this procedure? Some owners are reluctant to subject their pets to the process, worried that they’ll be hurt (or lose their “personality”), but it’s the best way to keep them healthy and happy. It also helps control the local animal population, which can get out of control very quickly. Here’s when and why you should spay or neuter your pets in the 85015 area.

What’s the right time to spay or neuter?

If you have a new kitten, you can spay or neuter them by the time they reach five months of age. Female cats usually go into their first heat around five months old, but that can vary—it can be as early as four months or as late as six. This allows your cat plenty of time to grow, yet they’ll still be young enough to bounce back quickly.

If you have a puppy, try to get them spayed or neutered by six months. Female puppies usually go into their first heat around five to six months of age. However, if you have a large breed dog, you may need to wait until they stop growing. This could be around nine to 15 months of age. Your veterinarian will be able to help you decide when is the right time to sterilize your large breed dogs.

Why is it important to spay and neuter?

Some pet owners think sterilization is cruel, while others might have budgetary or time constraints that keep them from making the appointment. However, there are plenty of benefits to spaying and neutering your pets—not the least of which is that it’s better for their health:

  • Limit pet overpopulation: Unfortunately, there are often far more pets than there are capable owners. That’s why strays abound, especially during kitten season. Not only is this dangerous to kittens and puppies, but if they make it to adulthood, it’s also bad for the local wildlife. Strays can also carry disease, which is bad for animals and humans alike.
  • Reduce inappropriate behaviors: Male cats and dogs can exhibit territorial behaviors, including fighting, spraying and other unwanted behavior. Female cats are prone to yowling, bloody discharge and erratic behavior. Sterilization reduces these behaviors.
  • Protects their health: Spaying female pets reduces their chance of mammary cancer, which is often fatal. Neutering your male pets reduces their chance of developing testicular cancer.
  • Cost effective: Sterilization is much more cost-effective than if your pet develops one of these forms of cancer. Surgery could cost you thousands of dollars—and the other option is to lose your pet. Why risk their health and your savings account?

As you can see, it’s important that you spay or neuter your pet around five to six months of age. Not only is it good for the pet population, it’s best for your pets—and for you as the owner.

For spaying and neutering services in the 85015 area, call Christown Animal Hospital today.

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