What Pet Owners Should Know about Spay & Neuter Procedures

As a pet owner, it’s your decision whether to spay or neuter your dog or cat. By counseling with our Forest Grove veterinarian from Kindness Family Pet Clinic, you can learn more about these procedures and how they can benefit your pet. Here are some basic facts that every pet owner should know about spaying or neutering their dog or cat.

What Spaying/Neutering Entails

Spaying entails the removal of your female pet’s uterus and ovaries so she cannot reproduce. Neutering is the removal of your male pet’s testicles so he cannot impregnate a female of his species. These surgical procedures are fairly common, pose no health risk to your pet, and can be done by our veterinarian as a simple out-patient procedure.

Why Spay/Neuter Your Pet?

There are many benefits to having your pet undergo a spay or neuter procedure. Here are just a few:

Improved Health

Spaying or neutering a dog or cat can improve the quality of his or her health. Non-spayed female dogs and cats are more prone to breast cancer and uterine infections, which can be fatal to both species. Spaying protects your pet from these diseases so she can live a longer, healthier life. By spaying before your pet’s first heat, you can maximize her protection. Spaying also prevents your female pet from going into heat, so you don’t have to endure the howling noises that often accompany the heat cycle or the constant urinating she’ll be compelled to do around the house.

Neutering saves your male pet from the potential pain and suffering of testicular cancer. It can also keep your pet from running away during breeding season in search of a mate. If your pet strays, he could easily get lost or injured in an accident or fight with another male dog. Neutered males tend to behave better as well, due to reduced levels of testosterone in their system.

Encourages Bonding

Spaying and neutering takes away the overriding desire for your pet to mate during breeding season. This makes it easier for your pet to spend more quality time with you. With less distraction, you and your pet can work on bonding. Bonding with your pet will make your relationship that much more enriching and rewarding.

Cost-effective

Spaying and neutering is cost effective, as it eliminates the expense of having to care for a litter of new kittens or pups. If you’re on a budget, this can save you a substantial amount of money. Spaying and neutering helps limit the dog and cat population in your community so animals don’t have to be put down due to overcrowding in animal shelters.

Schedule an Appointment for Spay & Neuter Procedures

To spay or neuter your pet, call Kindness Family Pet Clinic today, at 503-359-9548. Our fear-free pet clinic is an inviting space that both you and your pets can feel comfortable in. We also provide a wide array of other pet care services, so if you’re looking for a veterinarian in Forest Grove, consider us your one-stop shop.