Spay and Neuter Surgery in Cary

One of the most common surgical procedures performed on both cats and dogs, spay and neuter surgery has become nearly as routine as administering vaccinations to your pets to keep them safe and healthy. At Chatham Animal Hospital, our Cary veterinarian recommends spay and neuter surgery for the safety and health of all cats and dogs.

Benefits of Spaying and Neutering

When your pet is spayed or neutered it dramatically reduces its risk of reproductive cancers and infections. It also reduces the risk of breast cancer in female animals. When a dog is diagnosed with breast cancer it has a 50 percent chance of living, and when a cat is diagnosed with the disease there is sadly only a 10 percent chance of survival. There are also hormonal changes that benefit the animal.

There is also a need to want to mark their territory, which would include spraying urine outside or on various items, like your furniture. During this time animals can get aggressive, which would make them a danger to humans or other animals. Many pets feel the need to escape from their home to search for a mate, which can cause a number of problems. You will also save money on getting your pet spayed and neutered since it’s much cheaper than having to care for a litter of kittens or puppies.

Besides just the benefit to your pet directly, this is good for the animal community in general. Many families are not able to care for multiple pets and litters of puppies and kittens usually end up on the street or overcrowding shelters.

When Is the Right Time to Spay or Neuter Your Pet?

Many get their dogs spayed/neutered at six to nine months old, but apuppy can have the procedure at 8 weeks as long as they are healthy. Older dogs can also be neutered but there is a slight chance of post-surgery complications.

For cats, it’s safe to get them spayed or neutered as early as eight weeks old. Many kittens are spayed in the shelter prior to adoption and it’s best to get the procedure done before the cat reaches five months.

Visit Chatham Animal Hospital to get more information about getting your pet spayed or neutered. Call (919) 469-8114 to schedule a consultation for your pet!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions our office receives regarding spay and neuter surgery.

What Is Spay and Neuter Surgery?

Spay and neuter surgery are two procedures which remove your pet's reproductive organs. Spay surgery removes a female cat or dog's ovaries and uterus. Neuter surgery removes a male cat or dog's testicles.

Are Spaying and Neutering Procedures Safe?

Yes. Spay and neuter surgery are the two most commonly performed surgeries on cats and dogs. In fact, at Chatham Animal Hospital, we even offer a laser surgery alternative which reduces bleeding during surgery, recovery time, and mitigates the risk involved with surgery. Prior to any surgery or the administration of anesthesia, our veterinarians always perform a complete health exam to determine whether your pet is a good candidate for surgery.

Why Should My Pet be Spayed or Neutered?

The reasons to have your pet spayed or neutered are almost innumerable. The surgeries impart health benefits by reducing or eliminating the risk of your pet developing cancers of the reproductive organs. These surgeries also reduce the frequency of your pet physically encountering another animal, thereby reducing the risk of your pet contracting contagious diseases from other animals. In addition, your pet will also gain a number of behavioral benefits. Spay and neuter surgery reduces aggressive, territorial behavior and reduces the tendency for pets to wander in search of potential mates. Spay and neuter surgery also prevents the birth of unwanted litters of puppies and kittens, which reduces the number of unnecessary euthanasia deaths in shelters across the country.

At What Age is My Pet Eligible for Surgery?

For pets to receive the full health benefits of spay and neuter surgery, we recommend pets have the procedure before they reach puberty, but no younger than eight weeks of age.

Is Post-Operative Care Difficult?

Spay and neuter surgeries are typically out-patient procedures, meaning your pet can go home on the same day. We will walk you through steps to ensure your pet heals quickly and likely give your pet a cervical cone to prevent licking of the incision site.

Contact Our Chatham Animal Hospital in Cary, NC Today!

Our team of skilled veterinarians can help you make the best decisions for your pet's reproductive health, wellness, and preventative healthcare.

If your pet has yet to be spayed or neutered, and you need help making the decision or would like to schedule an appointment, contact Chatham Animal Hospital at (919) 469-8114 orcomplete our online form.