You’ve probably heard the terms “spay” and “neuter,” but do you know what they mean? We’ll cover spaying vs. neutering for pets and explain why these surgical procedures are good preventative care.
What is spaying?
Spaying is the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus. The procedure prevents female pets from becoming pregnant, but it also prevents certain types of uterine infections, breast cancer, ovarian cysts, and tumors as well as uterine cancer. Spaying reduces dog and cat overpopulation by preventing unwanted litter that result in thousands of animals each year that have to be euthanized because there aren’t enough homes for them. Spaying is an affordable procedure that can be performed on all ages and sizes of dogs or cats.
What is the difference between spaying and neutering?
While spaying and neutering both involve removing reproductive organs, the procedures themselves are very different. Spaying refers to removing a female dog’s ovaries and uterus, while neutering is the removal of a male dog’s testicles. Technically speaking, this means that spaying and neutering are the same things—they just use different terms for it depending on whether you’re talking about a male or female pet.
What is neutering?
Neutering is the removal of your pet’s testicles. It is performed on male animals to prevent unwanted pregnancies and to prevent testicular cancer. Neutering surgery is a surgical procedure that involves an incision in the scrotum. The testes are removed through this incision, and each of them will be tied off with sutures (thread). The wound is then closed using sutures or surgical glue.
Is spaying/neutering safe?
Spaying and neutering are safe, low-cost procedures that can benefit your pet’s health and lengthen his life. Spaying a female dog prevents heat cycles, which can be painful for her. Neutering a male dog reduces the risk of prostate problems, testicular cancer, and some cases of aggression.
How soon should my pet be sterilized?
The best time to sterilize your pet is when it is too young to be sexually mature. This means that the procedure should happen before the age of 6 months for dogs and cats, as well as rabbits and ferrets. If you are unsure about your pets age, you can usually tell by looking at their teeth: if they have baby teeth (also called deciduous or milk teeth), then they were born recently; if there are adult teeth present with no baby teeth visible, then your pet was likely older than 6 months when they first came into your life.
Should I breed my pet before spaying/neutering them?
It is not uncommon for people to feel they have a “good” reason to breed their pets, but there are some things you should consider before deciding to do so. Breeding is not always in the best interest of the pet or the owner. Consider the following before breeding your pet:
- Do I have enough time and money to properly care for the offspring?
- Is my pet healthy?
- Will my veterinarian approve of this decision?
If you cannot answer “yes” to all three questions, then it may not be a good idea for you or your pet at this time.
Now that you know the difference between spaying and neutering a pet, we hope you’ll consider having your pet sterilized. At VIP Animal Hospital, our vets will ensure your pet’s comfort while they perform a safe spay or neuter surgery. We look forward to helping you with all of your pet’s medical needs!