Have you recently adopted a new pet? You may have questions about spay and neuter surgery. Spay & neuter surgery sterilizes your pet to avoid unwanted pregnancies. It’s a decision that impacts your life, your pets, and the local community. At Animal Hospital of Loves Park, we offer safe and effective spay & neuter procedures to dogs and cats in Loves Park, IL, and surrounding communities. Here’s what you should know about this pet surgery.
Benefits of Spaying or Neutering Your Pet
Many pet owners are unaware of the health benefits of spaying or neutering their pets. Spay & neuter surgery can protect your pet from reproductive infections, cancers, and tumors. Fixing your pet could help your dog or cat live a healthier lifespan.
By spaying or neutering your pet, you can avoid undesirable behaviors associated with the heat cycle, such as uncontrolled mounting, howling during the night, frequent urination for marking territory, and wandering. Fixing your pet minimizes its desire to search for a mate, which can be distracting or prompt aggressive behavior. Many pets are calmer and more affectionate after being sterilized, making them better companions.
Sterilizing your pet also reduces the dog and cat population in animal shelters in your local community, which are often overcrowded due to unwanted pets. Animals that aren’t adopted after some time are often put to rest.
When to Spay or Neuter Your Pet
Spay and neuter surgery is generally done when pets are six months old. After a pet exam, our Love’s Park, IL, veterinarian recommends the best time to sterilize your pet, considering its breed and overall health. We recommend spaying your female pet before its first heat to gain full health benefits and prevent untoward behavior.
Common Misconceptions with Spay & Neuter Surgery
Spay & neuter surgery is a common pet surgery performed at our animal hospital with few risks. Contrary to what some pet owners think, the surgery does not impact your pet’s personality or weight. Spaying or neutering your pet doesn’t cause pets to gain weight. Obesity problems are generally due to overfeeding and lack of exercise.
Fixing your pet will also not alter its personality or habits. For example, if your pet is affectionate, playful, or inquisitive before its surgery, it will be the same afterward once it’s fully recovered.
See Our Veterinarian for Spay & Neuter Surgery
To schedule spay or neuter surgery for your cat or pup, contact Animal Hospital of Loves Park, Loves Park, IL, at (815) 986-4445. We will discuss how the surgery will affect your pet and what you can expect, so you won't be surprised. If you have any questions, ask us. We'd be happy to explain the procedure during your appointment.