What is Spay and Neuter?

Spay and neuter is a surgery done to keep your pet from being able to produce offspring. Spays are done on female cats and dogs and involve the removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Neuters are done on male cats and dogs and involve the removal of the testes. These internal reproductive organs are removed through small incisions in the lower abdomen, and the procedure is performed while the animal is under anesthesia.

What Are The Benefits of Spay and Neuter? 

Spaying and neutering benefits the animals, the community, and you:

  • Animals that have been spayed and neutered have reduced or eliminated risk of certain types of cancers, and often exhibit fewer behaviors related to reproductive urges (like roaming, aggression, excessive licking, and marking).
  • Spaying and neutering slows pet overpopulation and reduces the societal burden (and sad reality) of unwanted puppies and kittens, many of whom may never find a forever home.
  • Paying for a one-time spay or neuter procedure is far less expensive than paying for a pet pregnancy!

When Should I Get my Dog or Cat Spayed or Neutered?

If your puppy or kitten is healthy, a spay or neuter procedure can be performed as young as eight weeks old, but anytime between 3 to 6 months of age is typical. With females, it’s best for the spaying to occur prior to the animal entering her first menstruation cycle.

How Should I Take Care of my Pet Before and After a Spay or Neuter Procedure?

Our Long Beach veterinarians team uses the best practice techniques and technology to ensure that every surgical procedure goes as smoothly as possible. That said, we ask all pet parents to observe their animals for a few days following any surgery for unlikely but possible signs of complications, including infection and adverse anesthesia reactions. We also advise pet owners to keep their animals’ activity level low and make sure the incisions stay clean and dry during this time to reduce the risk of bleeding and help incisions heal. In addition, do not feed your pet within 12 hours before the operation.

Schedule Your Pet’s Spay or Neuter Procedure

Contact the Cats and Dogs Animal Hospital in Long Beach, CA at (562) 439-4228 to schedule a spay or neuter operation so you can check this important pet care step off your list