Although many people are aware of what spaying and neutering is, they may not know about the importance of getting their pet spayed/neutered. Please visit our site and blog at azpaws.org for more information on neutering and spaying your pet.
Most pet owners are aware of spaying and neutering, which are two surgical procedures that remove the reproductive organs of a female or male pet, respectively. But do you know all there is to know about why you should spay and neuter your pets — and how it can offer benefits for both you and your pet?

You might actually be surprised at how little most pet owners know about the importance of spaying and neutering your pet. To learn a little more about why spay & neuter procedures are a necessity, check out our answers to these three frequently-asked questions:

Q: Why do I need to have my pet spayed or neutered?

A: There are virtually countless advantages of bringing your pet to a dog and cat spay and neuter clinic. Your cat or dog will be healthier and live a longer, happier life — spaying and neutering has been proven to extend a pet’s lifespan by as much as three to five years. In addition, your pet will have a significantly reduced risk of getting cancer, will be better behaved, more easily-trained and won’t contribute to the number of stray pets unable to find homes.

Q: How do I prepare my pet for a trip to an affordable spay and neuter clinic? How long is the recovery time?

A: Usually, there isn’t much you need to do to prepare your cat or dog for a spay or neuter procedure. If your pet is no longer a puppy or kitten, you may need to withhold food from your pet after midnight on the evening before the procedure. For younger pets who need this nutrition, withholding food isn’t recommended.

Q: When is the ideal time to have my pet spayed or neutered?

A: You can generally have your pet spayed or neutered at any point in his or her life after reaching eight weeks of age. In most cases, it’s best to schedule a spay or neuter procedure before your pet reaches six months of age, so certain behavioral problems can be prevented altogether. Older pets can be good candidates for spaying and neutering too — just be sure to consult with your veterinarian beforehand.

Want to know more about why you should spay and neuter your pets? Ask us anything in the comments below this article!