Spay and neuter surgery is a common, necessary treatment recommended for puppies and kittens. While the treatment is standard, many pet parents still have questions regarding the procedure. Here are some of the most common:
1. How Can I Help My Pet Heal?
While we provide a list of aftercare instructions, you can help your pet to heal correctly after surgery by administering provided dosages of pain medication and ensuring that they have some place comfortable to rest. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on your pet to make sure that they are not licking the incision site. As there are no external stitches, this action can re-open the wound and interfere with proper recovery processes. If you are not able to control the licking, a cone will help prevent it.
2. At What Age Can I Bring My Cat or Dog In?
Typically, the youngest age at which pets can be spayed or neutered is six months, with the average age between six and nine months. We recommend targeting this age range because they are not yet developed enough to breed. However, spaying at these young ages can also help to reduce the risk of cancer in female pets.
3. What Does the Surgery Involve?
Spaying and neutering are safe procedures with minimal risk of complications. It is considered a minor surgery. After a shot of medication for relaxation, your pet will need to be put under general anesthesia, and the vet will make a small incision. It only takes two minutes to neuter a male cat and about 25 for a dog. Female cat spay can be completed in 15 to 20 minutes.
4. What Will Happen to My Pet After Surgery?
After recovery, your pet can enjoy a better quality of life that includes less aggression and less desire to stray from home, as well as minimized risk for certain diseases. While many pet owners believe that their animals will gain weight or become less affectionate after surgery, this isn’t true. Animals that undergo this preventive treatment are generally likely to be better pets because they are more affectionate and less focused on seeking out other animals for attention. Treated animals are also less likely to gain weight as a simple result of surgery and will not become lethargic or act less like themselves.
5. What Should I Do on the Day of Surgery?
Bring your pet to our office on a leash or in a carrier, and we’ll take it from there. We’ll also provide information on when you can pick your pet up and a list of instructions for how to best care for them during the recovery period. It’s important to note that your pet should have an empty stomach when they come to our office, so be sure they do not eat past 10 pm the night before.
Post-Surgical Complications or Questions? Ask Us
Just as with people, animals can feel pain, so we use the most modern pain management methods available to keep your pet comfortable. We welcome your questions and concerns regarding spay and neuter surgery at our San Antonio veterinary office. Contact us today to speak to a member of our team or to schedule your pet’s surgery.