Frequently Asked Questions About Spaying And Neutering Pets
When it comes to the health of your pet, taking care of their basic medical needs should be a top priority. One of those medical necessities includes spaying and neutering a pet. For some pet owners, the question of the necessity of these procedures is a common concern. The following are some frequently asked questions about spaying and neutering pets:
How Old Is Too Old?
It is a common misconception that animals of a certain age do not need to be spayed or neutered. It is commonly thought that, like humans, older animals can no longer breed. The truth is, animals can breed until they are much older. For females, excessive breeding can cause the animal to have a much shorter lifespan due to the amount of stress put on the body.
In addition to concerns about breeding, older animals are also at risk for other health problems that can be significantly decreased by spaying and neutering. Females can have an increased risk of uterine infection while males can suffer from a growing prostate and testicular tumors.
Can An Animal Have This Procedure When She's In Heat?
The answer to this question will vary in dogs and cats. For cats, spaying while in heat is not as dangerous as their cycles are more frequent. There is little risk for excessive bleeding and other complications. However, dogs are more apt to suffer from serious complications after surgery if it is completed while she is in heat. They can suffer from hemorrhages because of the increased blood flow in their reproductive system during a heat cycle.
Will Neutering Prevent A Male Cat From Spraying?
Unneutered male cats have an unpleasant habit of spraying a foul odor in order to mark their territory. This behavior is two-fold. It is driven my increased testosterone in the cat, which causes the need to behave in this way. If neutering is not done early in the life of the cat, it also becomes a learned component that is difficult to break. By neutering the cat, it can significantly decrease the likelihood of spraying or prevent it altogether.
These questions are some that are common among pet owners when it comes to the "spay and neuter" topic. Before making a final decision, it is important to speak to a veterinarian with any specific questions you may have, particularly if you plan to breed pets. While breeding pets is common, it should be done carefully with full consideration given to the health of the animal.
