At Berthoud Animal Hospital, we recommend spaying and neutering all dogs and cats to optimize their health. In most cases, we recommend this procedure around the age of six months old. Depending on the breed and age of your dog or cat, your veterinarian may suggest a customized plan tailored to your pet’s needs. Not only does spaying and neutering help control Berthoud’s pet population, it also can have a number of health and behavioral benefits for your pet. Our veterinarians utilize state-of-the art equipment and the latest techniques to provide the best surgical care for your pet before, during and after their procedure.
Health Benefits for Your Companion
Spay and neuter procedures can have several benefits, from controlling overpopulation to minimizing health concerns, to reducing unwanted behaviors.
Prevention of Heat Cycles
Female dogs and cats usually begin their heat cycles at as young as seven months old. While heat cycles are a natural occurrence in the female reproductive system, they can cause discomfort and pain in your pet. During these times, female dogs and cats will also seek and attract attention from male dogs and cats in the area. Spaying your pet will completely eliminate the occurrence of heat cycles, alleviating any associated pain and removing the after-care from your routine.
Improving Behavior
Many male dogs and cats begin to exhibit aggressive and destructive behaviors around the age of six to seven months old. Some of these behaviors are due to their territorial nature and production of testosterone, including spraying, mounting, and roaming. Neutering male pets around the age of six months can prevent the development of such unwanted behaviors that are often difficult to train.
Controlling Overpopulation of Local Pets
Recent studies have shown that there are over 6.5 million homeless pets in shelters in the United States. Of these pets, about 1.5 million of them are euthanized every year due to overpopulation and crowding. Spaying and neutering your pets prevent them from becoming or causing pregnancy, therefore avoiding contribution to overpopulation issues.
Supporting Happier, Healthier Pets
It has been shown that spayed and neutered dogs and cats, on average, live longer than unaltered pets. It’s important to consider that spaying and neutering can have a number of health benefits and reduce risk of certain health issues. In females, spaying prevents the occurrence of issues such as pyometra and mammary cancer. In males, neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and decreases the risk of prostate cancer.
The Procedure
This routine procedure is performed in our state-of-the art facility under the care of a trained and educated veterinary care team. As your pet arrives to Berthoud Animal Hospital, the veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam and develop a customized anesthetic and pain management plan. Each patient will be monitored closely before and after the procedure, until it is time for them to go home. A team member will review any discharge instructions with you and answer any questions you may have to help your pet have a smooth and quick recovery.
