Has your pet been fixed yet? If not, we recommend getting this done as soon as possible. While our advice on pet care varies a bit from patient to patient, this is one thing we recommend for nearly all of our animal companions. In this article, a local Cedar City, UT veterinarian discusses some of the reasons why.

Fixing Your Pet Helps Fight Overpopulation

One of the main benefits of having pets spayed or neutered is to help decrease unwanted litters. Pet overpopulation is unfortunately intricately tied to cases of neglect, abuse, and animal hoarding. Homeless dogs and cats endure incredibly challenging lives, having to cope with hunger, thirst, discomfort, harsh weather conditions, and parasites. They are also very vulnerable to illness and injury.

We know, puppies and kittens are undeniably adorable. It can be tempting to want to let your pet have a litter. However, even if you manage to find suitable homes for your pet’s offspring, there is no guarantee that their own litters, and any future generations, will have the same successful outcome.

Don’t underestimate the impact your pet can have. In just nine years, a single pair of kitties can have an astonishing 2,072,514 descendants! Fido is not far behind: a pair of dogs can have up to 67,000 descendants in just six years, with an average litter size of about six to ten puppies.

Pets That Have Been Spayed Or Neutered Are Often Healthier

Spaying and neutering also offer various medical advantages. This procedure effectively minimizes the risk of genital cancers and significantly decreases the chances of your pet developing other types of cancer, including prostate, breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer. Fixed pets are also less prone to urinary tract infections.

Preventing these issues is far easier and more cost-effective than treating them. Consult your Cedar City, UT veterinarian for more detailed information on this matter.

Fixed Pets Are Less Likely To Roam

Allowing your pet to wander off your property significantly increases the risk of them getting lost, injured, or even killed. Loose dogs and cats face many dangers, such as traffic, harsh weather conditions, wild animals, chemical exposure, parasites, and diseases. 

Although pets may attempt to escape for various reasons, the desire to mate is often a powerful motivator behind this behavior. After your pet is spayed or neutered, they’ll be freed of the hormonal urges to find a mate, so their natural instincts to seek a mate will diminish. Fluffy may lose interest in making that mad dash for freedom every time you open the door, while Fido may give up attempting his great escape by digging under the fence.

Pets That Have Been Spayed Or Neutered Tend To Live Longer

Did you know that pets who have been spayed or neutered have longer lifespans, on average? For females, the risks associated with pregnancy and delivery are eliminated. Those risks can be especially serious in dogs. When a large dog impregnates a significantly smaller one, it can put the female’s life and the lives of the puppies in danger.

Fixed pets are also less prone to running away, which further reduces their risk of injury or harm.

Fido And Fluffy Will Be Calmer After

Another significant reason to consider getting your pet fixed? You might notice a decrease in undesirable behaviors, like digging, chewing, and aggression. Fixed pets just tend to have a generally calmer demeanor. It wouldn’t be unexpected for Fido and Fluffy to become more affectionate, either.

Reduced Chance Of Spraying

While there are many compelling reasons to consider scheduling the surgery, this one may be more than enough on its own. Animals often spray to establish their territory. While some animals do continue spraying after the surgery, this is the exception, rather than the rule. After surgery, the desire to do this is usually either eliminated or significantly reduced. 

Fluffy Will Give Up Her Singing Career

if you’ve ever had the misfortune of hearing a passionate feline serenading with a love ballad, well, we offer our sympathies. Fluffy enjoys proudly declaring her unattached status with a unique and unconventional musical style. Although some cats may inexplicably enjoy the sounds, let’s just say kitty music isn’t exactly music to human ears. Trust us: being spared your furry pal’s caterwauling is definitely a plus!

Common Questions About Spay/Neuter Surgery

What Is The Expected Recovery Time For My Pet After Spay/Neuter Surgery?

Typically, pets tend to be over the hump of healing within the first 3-5 days. Boys do heal more quickly than girls: it typically takes around ten to 14 days for females to completely recover. It is important to restrict your pet’s physical activity during this period. Avoid promoting activities such as running, jumping, or vigorous play until your veterinarian has given their approval.

How Do I Care For My Pet After Surgery?

We will provide clear and comprehensive after-care instructions for your pet at our animal clinic. These are typically a single-page printout or pamphlet. Make sure to carefully read the directions and follow all instructions precisely. Be particularly cautious with medications. You may need to administer pain medication to your pet and make some dietary adjustments as they recover.

Here are some tips: 

• A comfy spot is a must. You’ll need to provide your furry friend with a clean and comfortable space to relax. This is a pawesome time to invest in a new bed!
• If you have other pets, you may need to keep your furry patient in a separate area as they rest and heal. If you don’t have a separate room, you can put your adorable patient in a puppy pen or a large dog crate.
• One big risk is the possibility of your pet damaging or ripping out their stitches. Your veterinarian might suggest using an Elizabethan collar (also referred to as the Lampshade or Cone Of Shame) or possibly an inflatable collar.
• Make sure to closely monitor the incision site. Be vigilant for any indications of complications, like redness, swelling, unpleasant odors, warmth, bleeding, or discharge. Other things to watch out for are nausea, loose stools, elevated body temperature, shaking, and difficulties with breathing. 

Lethargy can also be a warning sign. It’s perfectly normal for your pet to feel a little drowsy when you bring them home. Fluffy and Fido will probably sleep a lot those first few days. However, something more may be going on if they seem especially weak or listless.

Contact your Cedar City, UT animal clinic immediately if you notice any of these things.

What Is the Average Cost Of Spay/Neuter Surgery?

Prices can differ depending on the location. The rates can also be modified to accommodate your pet’s age, size, or health condition. Nevertheless, opting for this procedure is more cost-effective compared to dealing with health problems or the expenses of raising a litter. It might be worth considering vouchers or low-cost spay/neuter clinics as well. 

Make An Appointment At Your Cedar City, UT Pet Clinic

Are you looking to book a spay/neuter surgery for your furry friend? Get in touch with us, your nearby Cedar City, UT animal hospital, right away!