Have you gotten your dog or cat fixed yet? If not, we would suggest getting this seen to as soon as possible. Our animal companions all have their own unique care needs, much of which will depend on their age, size, breed, and health. However, while our advice on things like diet and exercise may vary, one thing that we recommend for nearly all dogs and cats is spay/neuter surgery. A local Clarkesville, GA veterinarian goes over some of the reasons why in this article.
- Fixing Your Pet Helps Combat Pet Overpopulation
The biggest reason to get pets fixed is to reduce unwanted litters. Pet overpopulation is a huge animal welfare issue, and one that, unfortunately, is often a factor in thousands of heartbreaking cases of neglect, abuse, and animal hoarding annually. Every year, millions of dogs and cats are euthanized. Millions more must fend for themselves. Homeless dogs and cats lead very hard lives, facing hunger, weather, and parasites, as well as illness and injury.
We know that puppies and kittens are adorable. However, even if you do find homes for your furry buddy’s offspring, there are really no ways to ensure that their own litters, and any future descendants, will do so well. With so many homeless pets already out there on the streets and in shelters, it’s just the more responsible thing to do.
Don’t assume that fixing your dog or cat won’t make much of a difference. A single pair of kitties can have 2, 072, 514 descendants in just nine years! Fido isn’t far behind Fluffy here: a pair of pups can have as many as 67,000 descendants in just six years.
- Pets Are Less Likely to Roam After Being Fixed
The risk of your four-legged pal getting lost, injured, or even killed goes up exponentially if they are allowed to wander off your property. Dogs and cats are vulnerable to a whole slew of threats, including cars, weather, wild animals, chemicals, parasites, disease … the list goes on.
Once your furry friend has been fixed, they’ll lose that hormonal urge to go looking for love. You won’t have to deal with Fluffy trying to run out every time you open the door, or Fido trying to dig out from under the fence. Of course, pets do try to escape for other reasons. However, the urge to mate is one of the strongest driving forces behind this behavior.
- Fixed Pets Are Healthier
There are some pretty important medical benefits to spaying and neutering. The procedure will virtually eliminate the risk of genital cancers, and will also drastically reduce the likelihood of your pet developing several kinds of cancer, such as prostate, breast, ovarian and uterine cancer. Pets that are fixed are also less likely to have urinary tract infections. It’s much easier—not to mention cheaper—to prevent these issues than it is to treat them. Ask your Clarkesville, GA veterinarian for more specific information on this.
- Pets Are Calmer After Being Spayed or Neutered
Another reason—and this is a big one—to get your four-legged pal fixed is because they will be naturally calmer after. You may be surprised at what a difference the reduction in hormonal urges will do. You may see a reduction in unwanted behaviors, such as digging, chewing, and trying to escape. Plus, most fixed pets are just more mellow overall.
Don’t be surprised if Fido and Fluffy become a bit cuddlier, either. Without that drive to find a mate, they’ll be more focused on you. After all, you are the center of their world.
- Fixed Pets Have A Longer Life Expectancy
Did you know that pets who have been fixed tend to live longer? This makes sense if you think about it. For females, the inherent risks that come with pregnancy and delivery are eliminated. Those risks can be particularly severe in dogs: when a big dog impregnates a much smaller pooch, the female’s life and the lives of the puppies are often at risk.
And, because pets that have been fixed are less interested in trying to run off, they are also less likely to get injured or hurt. An intact male dog or cat may very well get into a fight with another loose male.
- Pets That Have Been Fixed Are Less Likely To Spray
This may very well be reason enough in and of itself to get the surgery scheduled. Intact dogs and cats often spray to mark their territory. The urge to do this is lessened, and often removed, after neutering. While some adult animals will still continue to spray after the surgery, most pets do cease this behavior.
- Cats Won’t Yowl As Much After Being Fixed
This one may be a bonus, but it’s still worth including. If you’ve ever heard an amorous kitty singing a love song, well, you have our sympathies. Fluffy likes to announce her single status loudly and in no way that remotely resembles actual music. While other kitties may for some reason find the sounds appealing, most of us are just grateful to have our ears spared from the yowling and caterwauling.
FAQS About Spay/Neuter Surgery
How Do I Care For My Pet After Surgery?
Your animal clinic will provide you with specific after-care instructions. These are often a one-sheet printout or pamphlet. Read the directions over carefully, and follow all instructions to a T. You may need to give your furry buddy pain medication, and may also need to adjust their diet a bit as they recuperate. Pay particular attention to information and directions on this.
Aside from that, just give your adorable patient a clean, comfy place to relax in. (Hint: This is a great time to get Fido and Fluffy a new bed!) You may also need to confine their movements, at least for the first few days. You can use a crate, carrier, or kennel for this. A puppy pen may also work.
How Do I Help My Pet Heal From Spay/Neuter Surgery?
The biggest thing is to just monitor your pet, and let them relax. Making sure they don’t tear at their stitches is also important. Your Clarkesville, GA veterinarian may recommend using an Elizabethan collar—also known as the Lampshade or Cone Of Shame—or perhaps an inflatable collar.
You will need to watch the incision site carefully. Keep an eye out for any signs of complications, such as redness, swelling, foul odors, heat, bleeding, or pus. Other warning signs include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, trembling, lethargy, and respiratory issues. Contact your animal clinic immediately if you notice anything wrong.
What Does Spay/Neuter Surgery Cost?
Prices vary from place to place, and may also be adjusted to account for your furry friend’s age, size, or health. However, it is always cheaper to get this procedure done than to pay for health issues or the costs of raising a litter. You can also look into vouchers or low-cost spay/neuter clinics.
How Long Will My Pet Take To Recover From Spay/Neuter Surgery?
Generally, most pets get over the ‘hump’ of recovery within the first 3-5 days. However, it takes between ten and 14 days for them to be fully healed. During this time, you’ll want to limit your dog or cat’s physical activity. Don’t encourage them to run, jump, or play vigorously until your Clarkesville, GA veterinarian has given you the all-clear.
Do you need to schedule spay/neuter surgery for your pet? Please reach out to us, your local Clarkesville, GA animal hospital, today!
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