We recommend spaying and neutering pets around
SIX MONTHS OLD
once they have fully undergone their puppy or kitten vaccinations. The primary reason you should have your pet spayed or neutered early on is that female dogs and cats can begin their heat cycles as early as seven months and males can develop aggressive behaviors during puppyhood or kittenhood.
Spaying and neutering your pets come with a myriad of health and behavioral benefits that allow them to live longer, happier lives. Some of the benefits of spaying and neutering your pets include:
Elimination of Heat Cycles
When a female dog or cat goes into heat, they can become highly uncomfortable, will seek attention and will likely attract attention from male dogs and cats in the area. Spaying eliminates heat cycles, making your pet more comfortable.
Behavior
For many pet owners, a major benefit of neutering their male cat or dog is that it reduces aggressive, destructive and territorial behaviors such as spraying, mounting and roaming.
Overpopulation and Homelessness
There are approximately 6.5 million dogs and cats in shelters, and about 1.5 million of these animals are euthanized each year. Making the decision to spay and neuter your pets prevents overpopulation in shelters, saving the lives of animals in shelters.
Healthier Pets
Pets that are “fixed” live longer than those who aren't. This finding could be related to pets’ strong urge to roam when they are not “fixed,” putting them at high risk of being hit by a car and getting in fights with other animals. What’s more, altering pets greatly reduces their risks of certain cancers and disease. For females, pyometra, a fatal uterine infection, and mammary cancer can be prevented with spaying. For males, neutering eliminates testicular cancer and greatly lowers the risk of prostate cancer.
Here at AVH, we encourage all pet parents to spay and neuter their canine and feline friends to help control Arvada’s pet population and a healthier pet.
THE PROCEDURE
Like all surgical procedures performed at our facility, we will implement a thorough examination and evaluate your pet’s vaccination history first and foremost. This will involve designing an anesthesia plan customized to meet your pet’s needs. We will guide you through the process of caring for your pet pre-surgery and post-surgery.
