Spay and Neuter: A Major Step Towards Keeping Pets Healthy

Spaying and neutering animals is an important deterrent against stray overpopulation, but it can also make pets healthier. At Companion Animal Hospital Lake Zurich, any care we recommend for your pet is done with their well-being in mind. Prevention plays a big part in maintaining health and increasing lifespan, and spay and neuter surgeries can aid in preventing a variety of health conditions. Overall, spaying and neutering can save lives, give shelter animals a chance to find homes, and help healthy pets stay healthy.

Spay and Neuter in Lake Zurich: Dog and Cat on Ledge

How Spaying and Neutering Improves Lives

Can spay and neuter surgeries really make pets’ lives better? Yes! While the benefits may vary from pet to pet, they all generally include:

Spay and Neuter in Lake Zurich: Puppies Cuddle With Each Other

Females

Elimination of heat cycle and spotting
Pet less likely to run away and go roaming off to mate
A decrease in mammary, uterine, and ovarian cancer risks
Prevention of pyometra, a serious infection of the uterus that can be life-threatening
Less (or no) loud vocalizing or caterwauling while in heat (cats)

Males

Less aggression
Not as likely to engage in inappropriate mounting behaviors
Less likely to roam away to mate
A decrease in testicular cancer and prostate issues

The Best Time to Spay and Neuter

The ideal age at which to spay or neuter your pet is about 6 months. This gives your pet time to grow and develop normally but also ensures that any health issues they might face later won't have a chance to start. For large-breed dogs, we may wait until they are roughly a year old since their development takes a little longer.

Spay and Neuter in Lake Zurich: Cats Sitting on Stairs

Common Myths

It is understandable (and normal) to have concerns about spaying/neutering your pet. However, we would like to dispel some common myths about these procedures so you can be more informed.

Spaying and neutering makes pets gain weight – Simply put, keeping your pet active and on a balanced, veterinarian-recommended diet will help them stay at a healthy weight.
Spaying and neutering is too expensive – On the contrary, raising a litter of puppies/kittens or having to pay for cancer treatment later down the road are far more expensive. You also have the option of low-cost spay and neuter clinics, if cost is a major concern.
Spaying or neutering will change my pet’s personality – Sex hormones do not interfere with or affect an animal’s intelligence and instincts.

If you have other questions about spaying and neutering with regards to your pet, please call us at (847) 438-3750.