It may seem like everywhere you look there are advocates to spay and neuter your pets, and some may wonder what all the fuss is about. While many laud controlling the pet population as a reason, there are other reasons why spaying and neutering is a good idea for both you and your dog or cat. Our staff at KKM Veterinary Clinic has comprised a compelling list of benefits for spaying and neutering your pet.
What is Spay and Neuter?
Spaying is a surgical procedure where the uterus and ovaries are removed from a female animal. Neutering is the castration process for male pets. At KKM Veterinary Clinic in Franklin, OH our veterinarian typically performs spay and neuter surgeries when a pet is 6 months old. For females, it is best for this to be done before the first heat cycle because it reduces the risk of many diseases and cancers.
Controlling Pet Population
Keeping the pet population under control is a real concern. There are many pets in shelters that get euthanized before their natural lifespan ends because there are so many dogs and cats to choose from. Even if you do manage to find homes for your own pet's litter, it may mean another pet gets passed over.
Managing Disease Risk
In unaltered animals infections of the uterus are common, and some are life-threatening. There are also many types of cancers that are far more prevalent when a pet isn't spayed or neutered.
Behavior Control
While being spayed or neutered doesn't change your pet' personality, it does help decrease many undesirable behaviors such as inappropriate urinating and spraying, rubbing against objects and people, excessive howling, and escaping. Not only do these unwanted behaviors create stress in your household, but they also make your pet more accident prone.
Concerns About Spay and Neuter
When your pet is spayed or neutered they will need to have anesthesia during the operation, which carries its own set of risks. Fortunately, at KKM Veterinary Clinic in Franklin, we are highly skilled at spay and neuter surgery and take the proper precautions before your pet is put under anesthesia. We perform a full exam of your pet and make sure that they are in good health and can handle it. While they are under anesthesia and afterward, we continue to monitor to make sure your pet's temperature stays consistent and their heart stays strong.
Caring for Wounds from Spay and Neuter Surgery
Once your pet is back home after their spay or neuter surgery, they will have a wound at the incision site that needs proper care so that it does not reopen or get infected. Wearing a cone collar for a short time after surgery will help assure that they can recover nicely.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
Whether you are looking for the right time to spay or neuter your new puppy or kitten, or you have a slightly older pet and have decided the time is right for the procedure, or even if you have more questions at KKM Veterinary Clinic in Franklin, OH our veterinarian staff is here to help with your pet's needs. Contact us at (513) 423-2331 to schedule an appointment,