Spaying and neutering are important procedures that can keep your pets healthy. At TLC for Pets, serving Owings Mills and Reisterstown, MD, we provide spaying and neutering services. Our veterinarian will give you all the information you need on spaying or neutering your pet.
What Is Spaying and Neutering?
Spaying and neutering are more commonly referred to as fixing your pet. The procedure eliminates an animal’s ability to reproduce. In terms of the names spay and neuter, they simply refer to what gender is being fixed, as the procedures are naturally different. Spaying is done to females, while males are neutered.
Why Veterinarians Recommend Spaying and Neutering Pets
There are a few key reasons why it's important to spay and neuter your pets. One reason is that it is a healthy option for your pet. Having your pet spayed or neutered actually reduces its risk for certain kinds of cancer. In male dogs, this includes testicular and prostate cancer. It also lowers the risk of urinary tract infections.
Furthermore, depending on the breed, neutering and spaying can eliminate unwanted behaviors in your pet. This includes reducing sexual urges and aggressiveness in pets. It will prevent your cat from going into heat during breeding season. It may also stop your cat from yowling or spraying urine. For dogs, these procedures can prevent them from escaping and roaming to find a mate.
Another key point to spaying and neutering pets is that it helps to control the population of stray animals. Too many strays can impact the local area by spreading diseases and attacking other animals. Additionally, overpopulation makes it harder for animals to find homes.
How Does It Work?
Our veterinarian will walk you through the process of spaying and neutering. We try to minimize stress and pain, while we try to maximize safety. Your pet can typically go home the same day. Typically, pets should be spayed or neutered early on, before they reach sexual maturity. Age recommendations may vary by breed. Our veterinary team will determine when your pet should be fixed. We can answer any questions you have.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Veterinarian
If you have any questions about spaying and neutering your pets, or if you have a pet who needs to be spayed or neutered, we can help. At TLC for Pets, serving Owings Mills and Reisterstown, MD, we will walk you through the process. Call us today to schedule an appointment.