Spaying or Neutering Your Pet

Spay and Neuter FAQs

If you’re new to pet parenting, you probably have quite a few questions about spay and neuter procedures. You want what’s best for your pet, but aren’t sure what these surgeries entail. These FAQs from Pine Castle Animal Care Center in Orlando, FL provide the answers you need to make wise decisions in this area.

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Why should I spay or neuter my pet?

Spay and neuter procedures are a safe and effective means of sterilizing your pet to prevent unwanted pregnancies. These procedures reduce the homeless pet population in your community. They also help keep your pet healthy by reducing the risk of certain types of infections, cancers, and tumors.

Are spay and neuter surgeries painful? 

When performed at our animal hospital by our vet, these procedures are safe and painless. Your pet is sedated for the surgery to prevent discomfort and pain. We’ll provide you with pain medications after the surgery to give to your pet during recovery if he shows signs of pain.

Are these surgeries safe?

Although there’s some measure of risk with any surgery, spay and neuter procedures are quite common and complications from these surgeries are rare. Our veterinarians have ample experience in performing these surgeries, and our anesthesia and monitoring equipment are considered best practice standards. You can have full confidence that your pet is in good hands. Before performing surgery, we’ll thoroughly examine your pet to ensure he’s in good enough health for the procedure to further reduce the risk of post-op complications.

Should I allow my female cat or dog to have at least cycle, or even a litter before being spayed?

Although this has become a topic of research and controversy, in cats and most small to medium dogs, we still recommend the procedure between 4-6 months. Some very current research suggests that certain breeds, specifically very large and giant breeds of dogs may benefit from waiting until 8-10 months, and this is now our best recommendation, although the surgery can still be safely done at the earlier age. If you have a larger dog, feel free to discuss the pros and cons of waiting with our veterinarians. Regardless, your pet will enjoy better health if they are neutered at a young age, as this minimizes their risk of developing infections and reproductive and mammary tumors which can be life-threatening. 

Is it too late to spay or neuter my pet?

Generally, dogs and cats are spayed around 4-6 months of age, although the procedure can even be done earlier. Much older pets should be spayed or neutered if they’re in good health and they will benefit from reduction and even elimination of certain infections and cancers. After examining your pet, our veterinarians can recommend the best time to perform these procedures.

Will my pet’s personality or behavior change after being spayed or neutered?

Spay/neuter procedures do not affect your pet’s basic personality. These procedures can, however, improve your pet’s behavior by eliminating his or her urge to mate. After being spayed or neutered, pets have been known to become calmer, less aggressive, and more affectionate towards their owners.   

See Our Orlando, FL Vet for Your Pet’s Spay and Neuter Procedures

To learn more about spay and neuter procedures, or to schedule surgery at our animal hospital for your pet, contact Pine Castle Animal Clinic in Orlando, FL at (407) 855-5010 today. 

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