Spay and Neuter

Pet overpopulation continues to be a significant problem in the United States. Having pets spayed or neutered before they reach 6 months of age is usually advised. In the past it used to be common for pet owners to allow a female to go through the first heat cycle and then be spayed. However, veterinarians now recommend having female pets spayed before their first heat because it dramatically decreases the chances of them developing certain types of cancer. A male pet that is neutered will have less of an urge to mark territory and there also may be a decrease in dominant behavior.

In spayed and neutered pets behavioral problems can be avoided or lessened; some medical problems, mammary cancer being the most notable, may also be prevented if an animal is spayed or neutered early. In recent years, more veterinarians are doing these procedures when the puppies and kittens are very young, even 6-8 weeks of age in some cases. As a general rule, most vets recommend all pets be spayed or neutered by 6 months of age however.

Spay and neuter surgeries are the most common procedures done routinely by veterinarians. Most doctors will do at least one if not several of these surgeries daily. Follow the veterinarian's instructions on how to care for a pet that has just been spayed or neutered. Most pets will be tired from the medications and anesthesia for a day or two but should feel like themselves again very quickly.

Another common procedure that can be done at the same time as spay or neuter surgery is microchipping. A microchip is a small device about the size of a grain of rice implanted under the skin of the animal. The owners contact information and an identification number for the pet are both registered to the chip and can aid in recovering the pet if lost. Most veterinarians and animal shelters are equipped with scanners to read microchips to help find owners of lost pets.