People in Toronto love pets. They own at least 1 dog or cat.
That's great for both pets and pet owners since owning a pet can offer health benefits and companionship. However, if you want to keep your beloved pet with you as long as possible, a spay or neuter can keep your pet healthier.
Why should you have your pet spayed or neutered? What age should you spay or neuter your pet? Kato Animal Hospital will answer your question.
Why Spay or Neuter?
Why spay or neuter your pet? Spaying or neutering your pet is a responsible and safe choice. It will reduce the number of unwanted litters, and also bring your pet health benefits.
For male cats, the urge to spray is very strong. However, neutering can reduce this urge and often eliminate it altogether. It can also prevent the urge to roam and fight with other cats.
Male cats can be very territorial, and fights with other cats are not uncommon. Bite wounds can cause painful abscesses. Neutering cats will help reduce the risks of spreading disease through fighting. For example, the FIV virus is spread by bite wounds.
For dogs, a neutered male is less like to act aggressively, especially to other male dogs. It also reduces their risk of health problems such as prostate issues and testicular cancer.
Spayed female dogs can drastically reduce the risks of developing breast cancer, as well as avoid uterine infections, such as pyometra.
Similar to vaccinating your pet, having your pets spayed or neutered is low-risk and it can protect them from future health problems.
When to Spay or Neuter
A cat spay or cat neuter can happen when kittens are as young as eight weeks old. To avoid unwanted urine spraying or pregnancy, it's best to spay your cat prior to them reaching 5 - 6 months of age.
Dogs should also be spayed or neutered prior to reaching 5 – 6 months of age. For smaller or medium-sized breeds, this is the current recommendation.
For larger dog breeds, however, studies have shown that spaying or neutering too early may predispose to joint disorders later in life.
Ultimately, if you're not sure at what age to spay or neuter your pet, talk to your vet. They will be able to give you the best advice on when to have your pet spayed or neutered.
Schedule a Spay or Neuter for Your Pet with Kato Animal Hospital in Toronto
At Kato Animal Hospital, we believe in offering the highest standard of care possible for each pet that comes through our doors. We have been serving the Toronto area since 1982.
If you have any questions about a spay or neuter operation for your pet, or if you are ready to make an appointment, reach out to us.
Schedule your pet's visit today.