The decision to spay or neuter a pet involves many factors, including where you live, your lifestyle, and why you brought a pet into your home. Here at Mattituck- Laurel Veterinary Hospital we offer spaying, neutering and more pet care for all Long Island, NY, residents. Besides all the superficial benefits, your pet’s health also benefits from spaying or neutering. Continue reading to learn more about those benefits and the answers to other frequently asked questions.
Why Should I Spay or Neuter My Pet?
Spaying or neutering your pet offers medical and behavioral benefits. Fixing your pet can dramatically reduce the chance of disease and limit the number of unwanted pets being euthanized across the country.
What are the Medical Benefits of Spaying and Neutering?
On average, spayed and neutered pets live longer than others due to a reduction in certain diseases and dangers. Spaying reduces the likelihood of developing uterine infections and breast cancer. Likewise, neutered pets develop testicular cancer and prostate concerns at a lower rate. Research indicates that fixed dogs often live 20% longer, spayed cats live 40% longer, and neutered cats live 60% longer.
Will Spaying and Neutering Change a Pet’s Behavior?
There are differences in the behavior of spayed and neutered pets. Spayed pets do not enter heat, so they roam less and have less exposure to outside dangers. Spayed pets do not spray as often, and cats howl less. Neutered pets are less aggressive and mark their territory, bark, and mount less frequently.
Are All Spay and Neuter Procedures the Same?
There are a few different simple procedures. Our veterinarians can choose a spaying or neutering procedure based on your pet’s age, health, and goals for your pet. Your furry friend’s safety is our top priority.
When is the Best Time for the Surgery?
Spaying or neutering early in life is best to avoid unwanted pregnancies. It also limits behaviors that can be difficult to stop later in life. The general recommendation is to perform the procedure between eight weeks and five months.
How Do the Procedures Affect the Cost of Owning a Pet?
While there is an up-front cost of spaying or neutering your pet. It really saves you money because it avoids the cost of unwanted litters and treatments for health issues as the pet ages.
Working with a Vet at Mattituck - Laurel Veterinary Hospital
If you are looking for a veterinarian near you in the Laurel, NY, area, contact our animal hospital at (631) 298-1117 or go online. At Mattituck - Laurel Veterinary Hospital, we treat your pets like the valued family they are.