When You Should Spay Or Neuter Your Pet

Whether you have a kitten, puppy, or a recently adopted pet, it is important to make sure he or she is spayed or neutered. Veterinarians recommend having your pet spayed or neutered as a safe and effective way of eliminating negative habits and promoting a long and healthy life for your pet. Our team at Wooded Acres Animal Hospital in Middle Island is here to help your pet throughout the process.  

What Is Spaying or Neutering?

Spaying (for females) or neutering (for males) means removing all or part of an animal’s reproductive organs. This can be performed as a routine surgery or laparoscopically at our clinic.  In females, this means removing the ovaries as well. Spayed females will also not go into heat and attract unwanted males.

When to Neuter or Spay

Neutering or spaying your pet early is the best way to get the maximum benefit. That means before the pet has gone through her first heat cycle. Pets can be neutered or spayed as young as 8 weeks old, but before 5 months of age is recommended. However, larger breeds may need to wait longer to properly develop before being spayed or neutered. It is important to consult our staff to find the best time for your pet to have the surgery.  

How Long After Giving Birth Can My Pet Be Spayed?

While it is tempting to get your female pet spayed as soon as possible after pregnancy, it is best to wait until at least two weeks after her milk has dried up and the litter has fully weaned off. This is often at four to five weeks old for puppies and five to six weeks for kittens. It is important to know that mothers can get pregnant again while nursing their kittens. The best way to prevent another pregnancy until you can get her spayed is to keep her away from male pets.

We Are Here to Help Your Pet in Middle Island

If you need your pet spayed or neutered, contact us at Wooded Acres Animal Hospital. Our team will perform a complete exam to get your pet prepared for the procedure. We are committed to providing the highest quality of care for pets in Middle Island and the surrounding areas. Give us a call to see how we can help you and your animal.