Spaying and neutering is a part of responsible pet ownership and will contribute to the long-term health and quality of life of your pet. They are surgical procedures that make pets unable to reproduce. Spaying and neutering is one of the best decisions you can make for your pet’s health, as well as for the well-being of animals in the community.

There are several benefits to spaying and neutering. Research shows that altered pets live longer and are less likely to contract cancer, infections, and other health problems. Another benefit is decreased incidences of behavioral issues. Spaying and neutering can lessen unwanted behaviors, such as roaming, spraying, inappropriate elimination, or mounting. You’ll also be doing your part to help reduce the numbers of unwanted puppies and kittens that are placed in animal shelters each year.

Spaying

Spaying, also called an ovariohysterectomy, is a surgical procedure in which both ovaries and the uterus are completely removed from your pet. This procedure is a surgery performed while your pet is under anesthesia. Removing the reproductive organs of female pets before the first heat cycle (around 6 months) reduces the chance of breast cancer by 95%. Since this benefit decreases each time your pet comes into heat, it is best to have your pet spayed early in her life. Spaying also eliminates the possibility of uterine infection, which can be fatal, as well as ovarian or uterine cancer.

Neutering

Also called a castration, neutering involves the removal of both testicles from your pet. It is a minor procedure that is completed while your pet is under anesthesia. Removing the testicles helps prevent certain infectious diseases as well as enlargement of the prostate gland, an age-related problem that can make urination painful or difficult. Neutering also eliminates the possibility of testicular cancer.

Spaying and neutering is a part of responsible pet ownership and will contribute to the long-term health and quality of life of your pet.

Call Franklin Ranch today at (916) 683-4000 to make an appointment to spay or neuter your pet.