Category Archives: Medical

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.

New To Dog Ownership: Your Most Pressing Puppy Questions Answered

You’ve officially decided to get a puppy. You’ve paid the breeder or adoption fee and soon your new furry friend will be gracing the floors of your home.

You’ve got the food and supplies you need along with plenty of toys. But what else do you need to know about taking care of a new puppy?

To help you care for your new puppy, we’ve answered some of your most pressing questions below.

1. Do I need to puppy-proof my house? Puppies are curious, just like kids. That means they tend to chew and swallow things they shouldn’t be chewing or swallowing. Keep children’s toys away and don’t leave any food where they reach it. Be sure to keep your trash can out of your puppy’s reach, too. Your puppy can easily choke on small objects they can fit in their mouths.

2. How soon do I need to bring my puppy to the vet? It’s recommended to get your puppy in to see the vet as soon as possible. Within the first two days is typically best because it gives your vet the chance to catch any health problems early on. You’ll also need to talk to your vet about vaccinations, worms, and feeding.

3. Does my puppy need to be spayed or neutered? If your puppy hasn’t already been spayed or neutered, it’s a good idea to have the procedure done. When you have your dog spayed, you’re helping to prevent uterine infections and breast tumors. When you have your dog neutered, you’re helping to prevent prostate problems and testicular cancer.

4. When does my puppy need to start getting vaccinated? Puppies will typically start getting their vaccinations when they’re eight weeks old. From then until they’re 16 weeks old, they’ll get a series of vaccinations once every three weeks.

Where can I find an Arizona spay clinic near me?

Both puppies and kittens can be spayed or neutered once they’ve reached the age of two months old. It’s important to get your puppy spayed or neutered at this time because a dog as young as five months old has the ability to get pregnant.

AZPaws is an Arizona spay clinic where you can take your dog or cat for their neutering/spaying procedure. To learn more about our pet healthcare services such as spaying, neutering, or pet dental care, contact AZPaws today.

Ways To Keep Your Cat Cozy This Winter

Cats love to be cozy! Read these tips on how to keep your kitty safe and warm this season.

Ways To Keep Your Cat Cozy and Safe This Winter
Arizona is known for its mild winter days. However, nights out in the desert can sometimes drop to below freezing. For household cats who love to seek warmth, staying comfortable during the winter season can be a challenge.

Fortunately for the humans who take care of these heat-seekers, making sure your feline friends stay cozy and comfortable during the winter is no difficult feat. Examine the following tips to keep your cat happy this winter season.

Consider neutering.
Neutering a cat is the only 100% effective form of birth control for felines and therefore helps prevent unwanted pregnancies. What’s more, understanding the importance of spaying or neutering your pet will help prevent certain diseases in your cat, which may affect your furry friend during the winter months.

Keep them indoors.
Not every cat is an indoor cat, but keeping your cat indoors is the only way to ensure they stay safe. This is especially true during the winter months when food is scarce and nights are frigid. With proper stimulation, you can keep your cat entertained all winter long.

Create cozy spaces
Create draft-free nooks around the house to help keep them warm. Pile a blanket in their favorite area and snuggle it with their favorite toy.

Be wary of plants
The winter season is one of the most popular times for flowers and plants. However, certain plants can be dangerous for cats if they ingest any part of the flower or even inhale pollen. These dangerous plants include tulips, peace lilies, and the amaryllis. To keep your kitty safe, be sure to research cat-safe plants before introducing to your home this winter.

As a responsible pet owner, it’s up to you to ensure your furry friend is comfortable throughout the winter months. By following the tips above, you can help keep your cat cozy and safe this winter season.

Summer Loving: The Case for Spaying or Neutering Your Animal Today

There are good reasons for spaying and neutering your pet. Read more about why summer is an important season for pets on our blog.

Summer Loving: The Case for Spaying or Neutering Your Animal Today
Summer is one of the busiest times for animal shelters. That is because the number of both kittens and puppy births peaks sharply during the summer.

Many pet owners are diligent about having their animal companion spayed or neutered, with 86% of pet dogs and 90% of pet cats having been spayed or neutered between 2015 and 2016, according to an American Pet Products Association survey. Still, some animal professionals working in animal shelters and spay clinics say there is a problem.

The problem is that both cats and dogs are prodigious reproducers. Without a trip to the spay clinic, a dog can have two litters per year, with each litter being between six and ten puppies.

Cats that have not been to the spay clinic are even more prone to reproduction in the summer, as the longer days trigger their heat cycle. Cat’s can also give birth far more often than dogs, even being able to become pregnant while nursing their previous litter.

Unfortunately, overcrowding is not the only challenge that Arizona animal shelters face during the summer. The high heats are expensive to keep at bay, especially as the number of animals in the clinic surge higher.

As a result of this, many of the animals are shipped off to other clinics in northern states simply to escape the heat and overcrowding. Clinics might also opt for a special, no-fee adoption day. But even those measures aren’t perfect fixes.

Older animals in shelters are particularly likely to suffer from the overcrowding of animal shelters. Many times, older animals will be neglected and fail to find homes, as people looking to adopt are typically attracted towards younger animals. That means many of these older animals never have the second chance at happiness that they so richly deserve.

The biggest problem is that many times, it isn’t an act of malice that puts animals in this situation, but an act of ignorance. Not understanding the importance of spaying and neutering early can result in hundreds more animals ending up in shelters or living on the street.

That is why it is so crucial for pet owners to do everything in their power to see that their animals are properly sterilized.

AZPAWS is the spay and neuter clinic Phoenix AZ Trusts. If you have questions about the importance of spaying or neutering your pet, or pet safety, contact us today.

The Health Benefits of Spaying and Neutering

The benefits of spaying and neutering are even more important for your pet’s health. Read more about why on our blog.

The Health Benefits of Spaying and Neutering

While it is widely known that spaying and neutering your pets is important, there are many people who still do not understand this procedure and its benefits. The confusion is understandable, but unfortunately, it can lead to serious issues down the line.

In order to help you understand all of the positive benefits that happen when you spay and neuter your pets, we have written this little post. We will be highlighting direct benefits that you can expect for your pet after a trip to the spay and neuter clinic.

• Less apt to roam

Every pet owner knows the fear when your cat or dog gets out of the house unrestricted. After all, 2 million dogs and 5.4 million cats are thought to be killed on the road each year in the United States.

But few people know that properly spaying or neutering their pet can help to reduce their urge to roam, meaning that if your pet does try an escape act, they will likely stay within a short distance. As a result, it’s much more likely that you will discover them before anything bad can happen.

• Lower Cancer Risk

Few people realize that sterilizing their pet can greatly reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. In female pets, there is a smaller risk of mammary gland tumors and ovarian and uterine cancers, especially if you have her spayed before her first heat cycle as SoayUSA.org recommends. For male pets, you no longer have to worry about testicular cancer, and additionally, prostate cancer becomes less likely.

• Longer Life

The end result of having your animals sterilized is that they will live longer, healthier lives. In fact, it can add one to three years to the life expectancy of your dog and between three and five for your cat.

That means you and your loved ones have more time to bond and enjoy the company of your animal companion. And what could be more important?

There are many good reasons to spay and neuter your pets. Not only does it help maintain and improve your animal’s health, but it also helps to combat the overpopulation of cats and dogs in the United States.

Caring For Your Pet After Their Spaying Or Neutering Procedure

The importance of spaying or neutering your pet cannot be understated, as it benefits both your animal and the other animals in your community. Puppies and kittens can be spayed or neutered when they are two-months-old, and once they undergo this procedure, it is important that you care for them properly. Once you bring your animal home from their procedure, be sure to follow these important post-care tips.

• Keep your pet inside. While your pet is recovering from surgery, try to keep them in the house as often as possible. This makes it easier for you to keep an eye on them and prevents them from running around too much. Excessive activity could harm the incision site.

• Make sure your pet is wearing their e-collar if they are licking the incision. device will keep them from licking their incision, so be sure that they are wearing it. If your pet is appears to not be getting used to their e-collar, consider an inflatable version.

• Watch them closely for the first few days. Right after surgery, your pet may be dizzy or off-balance while the anesthesia wears off. Walk behind them when they go up the stairs and try to keep them off the furniture. Practicing basic pet safety will keep them from stumbling and falling while they regain their normal function.

• Check your pet’s incision. Be sure to check your pet’s incision site twice per day to ensure that it is healing well. Spay and neuter incisions, much like any surgical site, can be at risk for infection. If you notice any redness, swelling, or puss, call your vet right away.

• Call the vet if you suspect a problem. Once you leave the spay and neuter clinic, be sure to keep your vet in the loop. If you have any concerns about your pet’s healing or behavior, do not hesitate to call. We are here to answer any of your questions or recommend a follow-up appointment.

You understand importance of spaying or neutering your pet, but it is important to also know they importance of their healing. By following pet healthcare best practices, you can help your pet heal as quickly as possible. They will be running around the backyard again in no time at all.

Caring for your pet after they have been spayed or neutered is important. Read about our health care tips on our blog.

Spaying Your Dog: What to Expect and How to Care For Her

Read more about what are the best ways to care for your dog after they have been spayed on the AZ Paws blog!

Spaying Your Dog: What to Expect and How to Care For Her

Getting your dog spayed or neutered is a pretty routine procedure nowadays. None the less, when you get your dog back and she’s acting all slow and not like herself, it can be a little scary at first. Luckily, it’s not permanent and they’ll be back to their old self in no time. Until then, it’s important you know all the details about caring for your pet. Here are a few things to expecting in the spay and neuter process and how you can help out your pet until it gets better.

What You Can Expect

When spaying a dog, the anesthesia can make them feel a little funky for a while after they wake up. This is only temporary, but until it wears off, it’s best to keep an eye on them to ensure pet safety and make sure they’re comfortable.

The first thing to note is your dog will probably be a bit shaky on his feet for a while. The anesthesia typically messes with their balance for a while, so they may walk slow or tend to stumble. The best thing to do is ensure she’s walking slowly. Don’t let her bump into anything or climb onto any chairs, couches or stairs. Instead, have them lay on a dog bed or something similar that remains low to the floor.

The second thing to note after spaying or neutering a dog is the after effects of the anesthesia will probably make your dog want to sleep a lot. The best thing for this is to just let them sleep. Make sure they’re comfortable.

Another common thing to look for is some dogs tend to refuse to eat or drink anything immediately after surgery. After spaying a dog, the anesthesia has a tendency to make some dogs nauseous. This usually goes away by the next morning. If it doesn’t, call your vet.

How to Care For Her

Other than watching out for the signs listed above, there are a few other things you can do to assure your pet remains comfortable while she is healing. The best thing to do is prepare a room or quiet space for her, away from anyone or anything that might bother her.

A bathroom can be a useful space, as it can be closed off from other pets and young kids, doesn’t have high couches or chairs that a dog could try to climb up on and usually has tile floors, which are easy to clean if a dog becomes sick. Put your dog’s water and food bowls in with he.

You may find yourself wanting to cuddle and comfort your pet after surgery. While that may help, it is important that you are very gentle with her. Spaying, in particular, is a much more intrusive surgery than neutering, so she will be sore for a while. Try not to feed her too many treats either, as she may become sick. Treats are only supposed to be about 10% of the daily calories for your pet anyway, so hold back on feeding her them when just coming out of surgery.

Spaying a dog is luckily not as bad as it seems. It’s become a really common procedure and has no lasting effects on your dog. It is important, however, to make sure she remains comfortable while she’s healing. We hope you found these tips useful for your dog’s spaying operation.

For more information, please visit AZPaws.org

Debunking Popular Spay and Neuter Myths: Feline Edition

Read more about why spaying your cat can be a good thing on the AZ Paws blog!

Debunking Popular Spay and Neuter Myths: Feline Edition

Most cat owners consider their feline friend to be a much-loved family member. Understandably, you’d never want to cause your pet any pain. This is one of the reasons some people choose not to spay and neuter their cats. The truth is, spaying or neutering a cat will not cause them harm. Further, neutering and spaying a cat can also help to reduce unnecessary feline deaths. Sadly, millions of cats die in shelters and out in the wild each year due to overpopulation; if you spay and neuter, you can help curb this problem.

But because humans care deeply about their own animals, there are many myths about these procedures that continue to persist. If you’re thinking of bypassing spaying or neutering your cat at the vet clinic, you should pay close attention to the myths below. Once you read these, we hope you’ll better understand the importance of spaying or neutering your pet.

MYTH: Cats become lazy once they’ve been spayed or neutered
Reality: While it’s true that some spayed and neutered cats do put on weight, the surgery isn’t actually to blame. When a cat is spayed or neutered as a kitten, their metabolic rate will slow down as they become adults. This means that they actually require fewer calories than unaltered cats do. If we overfeed our cats — as many of us are wont to do — they’re likely to gain weight. Portion control and ample physical activity through play should be enough to keep your cat happy and in shape.

MYTH: My cat’s behavior will change after the procedure
Reality: If you see any behavioral changes, they’ll be positive. After being neutered, a male cat will likely reduce (or may never even start) territorial spraying. In addition, he will have a lower tendency to fight with other animals or wander off at night. After being spayed or neutered, most cats will actually be a lot more content, as finding a mate and breeding can actually be quite stressful. In basic terms though, these procedures will not alter your cat’s personality or playfulness.

MYTH: Indoor cats don’t need to be spayed or neutered
Reality: There is always a chance your indoor cat could escape and reproduce. After all, not all homeless cats are feral. And even if your cat never makes it outside, he or she (and you) can still benefit from these procedures. Undesirable behaviors like yowling at night or spraying urine will disappear, and if you spay or neuter your cat, you can actually reduce their risk of developing reproductive cancers. It’s the responsible thing to do.

MYTH: My cat should have the chance to be a parent
Reality: This notion is understandable but misguided. Cats don’t have psychological or emotional needs to become parents; they’re simply following their instinct to reproduce. Even if you think your cat might make a great mom or dad, it’s much better to adopt a kitten than it is to have your cat reproduce for the sake of parenthood.

MYTH: It’s better to have your cat go through one heat or litter before spaying
Reality: While SpayUSA.org recommends spaying prior to a first litter, evidence shows that you should spay and neuter your cat when it’s around six months old. Not only will spaying early eliminate interest from male cats, but it can also keep your pet healthy. By spaying at an earlier age, you can help reduce the risk of uterine infections and mammary cancer in your cat. Cats really don’t have a sexual identity, so there’s no reason for your cat to go through heat or a litter before getting fixed.

If you spay and neuter your animals, you’re actually helping to protect them. To find out more about the spay and neuter services we provide, contact AZ Paws today.

Why Should You Neuter Your Dog?

Neutering your dog can be a good decision. Read more about why on our AZPAWS.org website.

Why Should You Neuter Your Dog?

Owning a dog is a big responsibility, and as a dog owner, you have a certain duty to keep your pet healthy. Treats should only make up 10% of your pet’s daily calories, and you should be aware that 66% of all dog food allergies are caused by beef, dairy, and wheat. By age three, 80% of dogs have periodontal disease. There’s a lot to keep in mind, but one of the biggest responsibilities of a pet owner is getting their pet spayed or neutered.
For most dog-owners, neutering your pet is a part of the normal procedure of owning a pet. But why is this so? Many dog-owners out there — even if they don’t intend to breed their dogs — decide to let their pets forgo this surgery. However, there’s good reason why this has become an accepted part of dog-ownership. Check out these reasons why neutering a dog is the right thing to do:

Reduction of Aggression

Male dogs tend to be aggressive and confrontational to strangers and other dogs. Neutering significantly reduces this aggression.

Lower Licensing Fees

In most communities and counties, if your dog is neutered, the fees for licensing are lower.

Focus Attention

Anyone who has an un-neutered dog knows how hard it is to get them to focus their attention on an activity, especially when there are other dogs around. They will be much more interested in constantly marking their territory and investigating other dogs and people, sometimes aggressively.

Reduces the Risk of Prostate Disorders

Prostate disorders like enlarged prostates, prostate cysts, and prostate infections occur quite often in un-neutered dogs, but studies have shown that dogs who get neutered have a much lower likelihood of having such disorders.

Prevention from Breeding

Yes, puppies are amazing and adorable — but the world has more than enough of them. Hundreds of puppies are homeless and awaiting adoption at shelters all the time. Plus, the responsibility of raising the pups will most likely fall on the owner of the female.
Definitely consider the pros and the cons of neutering your dog, and get the procedure done at a safe pet neuter clinic where the professionals take pet healthcare, and neutering a dog seriously. The same goes for spaying a dog at a good spay clinic.