3 Reasons To Get Your Pet Spayed/Neutered This Winter

If you’re still unsure whether to have your cat or dog spayed/neutered, consider the following reasons why it’s the best decision for your pet. One of the most important health decisions you can make for your cat or dog is to spay or neuter them. Some potential pet owners may believe that spaying/neutering is unnecessary, but it has many medical and behavioral benefits. If you’re still unsure whether to have your cat or dog spayed/neutered, consider the following reasons why it’s the best decision for your pet.

Your pet is less likely to try to escape. 

Unspayed female cats will go into heat four to five days every three weeks during breeding season. Both unspayed cats and unneutered male dogs will try their best to escape the house or backyard in an attempt to find a mate. This puts them at risk for getting lost or even getting hit by a car. When you spay/neuter your pets, they won’t be antsy to leave the house to find a mate.

Spaying/neutering keeps healthy pets from being euthanized. Millions of healthy cats and dogs are euthanized every year because there aren’t enough homes for them in shelters. By spaying/neutering your pet, you’re reducing the risk of pet homelessness and needless euthanization.

Neutered males are better behaved. Unneutered males are more likely to show signs of aggression and will try to mark their territory around the house. By neutering them, you can reduce these behavioral problems.

Spaying/neutering misconception

Another reason why pet owners may choose not to spay/neuter their pet is that there are misconceptions surrounding spaying/neutering. The most common misconception is that spaying/neutering will cause obesity. However, that isn’t the case. Pet obesity is caused by lack of exercise and overfeeding. By giving your pet the regular exercise they need and keeping them on a balanced diet, your pet won’t suffer from obesity.

Where can I find a spay and neuter clinic near me?

It’s recommended to get your puppies spayed or neutered between the ages of six to nine months, although they can be spayed/neutered once they reach the age of two months. It’s also recommended to have your kitten spayed by the time they reach two months because cats and dogs can get pregnant as early as five months old. If you’re looking for a spay and neuter clinic in your area, AZ Paws is the clinic for you. To learn more about the importance of spaying or neutering your pet, or for information on dental care for pets, contact AZ Paws today.

How Do I Take Care Of My Dog After They’ve Been Neutered?

It’s one thing to know to have your dog neutered/spayed and another thing to know how to take care of them after the procedure.

It’s an important decision to spay or neuter your dog because it’s the only 100% effective form of birth control for cats and dogs.

Spaying and neutering also help to reduce the risk of reproductive cancers, reduce behavioral issues, and even reduce the risk of your dog running off their leash to find a mate.

But it’s one thing to know to have your dog neutered/spayed and another thing to know how to take care of them after the procedure.

How do I take care of my pet after their surgery?
By understanding what to expect before, during, and after your dog’s neutering/spaying surgery, you can feel prepared knowing that you know what’s going to happen.

Before the surgery, you’ll be dropping your dog off at the clinic for their procedure in the morning and picking them up later that afternoon or evening. Anesthesia that lasts between 15 to 20 minutes can take up to six to seven hours to wear off and your dog may seem groggy, subdued, or uncomfortable.

After the surgery, your pet is placed in a warm, dry place to relax while the anesthesia wears off. They’ll also have someone monitoring them to ensure there are no complications related to the anesthesia.

When you pick up your dog, they may behave differently which is normal as they’re still affected by the anesthesia. When your dog has returned home, feed them a meal that’s moderately sized and reduce any activity that could disturb your dog’s incision site.

The day after the procedure, your pet will be back to their old self. They can go back to their usual routine with the exception of exercise, rough play, and going up and down the stairs.

Be sure to routinely check the incision site for discharge, redness, or an opening of the sutures. If you notice any of these things, you’ll need to bring your dog back to the clinic for a checkup. It may be in your dog’s best interest to wear a cone if they’re unable to stop licking or chewing at the incision site.

Where can I find dog clinics near me?
A fertile dog can have as many as two litters of puppies a year, which is why it’s so important to have your dog spayed or neutered. If you’re looking for Arizona dog clinics near you to have your dog spayed or neutered, AZPaws is the place to go.

Whether you need help understanding pet safety, dog dental care, or you need to schedule a neutering appointment, AZPaws has the expertise you need. For more information about our spay and neuter clinic, contact AZPaws today.