The importance of Spaying/Neutering your pet

At Wagly Veterinary Hospital and Pet campus, sterilization (aka spay or neuter) is recommended for nearly all of the pets unless the pet parent plans to use the pet as a part of a quality strategic breeding program or for competitions.

Why should pets be altered? The reproductive organs are responsible for producing hormones that have a variety of actions in the pet’s body. Removal of the exposure to these hormones results in a statistically significant improvement in pets’ wellness throughout their lifetime.

• Pets that are altered are statistically less likely to roam away from home, so they are less likely to face danger like getting lost and other hazards.
• Pets who are altered are less likely to exhibit dominant, sexual, territorial AND aggressive behaviors, (behaviors like humping or urine marking) improving the quality of life for both pets and family members.
• Females who have been spayed have a dramatic reduction in their risk of potentially deadly uterine infections called pyometra.
• Spaying/neutering prevents unwanted pet pregnancies. Pet overpopulation from unplanned litters is a significant nationwide problem.
• Neutering males eliminates the risk of testicular cancer risk and reduces the risk of prostatic disease.
• Spayed females have a marked decrease in mammary cancer. The risk is almost 100% eliminated if they are spayed before their first heat cycle.

Common Questions:

• When should a pet be spayed/neutered? Recommendations vary based on the species, gender, breed, size, and behavior of your pet. Because there are many variables involved in deciding when to spay or neuter your pet, this is something to discuss with your veterinarian during puppy wellness exams. The ideal age is generally around 5-6 months.
• Will my pet have a long recovery? Your pet may be sleepier than usual the evening following surgery and in many cases will come home with a few days of pain medication. The pet will need to wear an Elizabethan collar (a cone) to prevent them harming their incision and will need their exercise limited during the recovery period (usually until suture removal 10-14 days after the procedure). Generally, within a day or two of surgery, the pet is back to their normal attitude and energy level.
• Should we let our dog have just one litter of puppies? What if we want out children to have the experience of puppies? The reduction of cancer risk, reduction of pyometra risk and reduction of homeless pets are significant benefits that often outweigh the benefit of “just one litter” breeding. This is a conversation our veterinary team is happy to have with you. For those seeking the puppy experience, consider if fostering a pet in need would be an option. There are likely rescue organizations that would welcome foster families who could provide a short (or long-term) home to a pregnant dog who is looking for a safe place to land.

Why choose Wagly Pet Campus and Veterinary Hospital for my pet’s spay or neuter?

• From the front desk to the back door, every member of the Wagly family is working to provide the best in comfort, safety, convenience, and highest quality care for your pet. We understand what an honor and responsibility it is to be entrusted with the care of your loved ones and treat them as we would our own.
• How much does it cost? Wagly is proud to offer Wellness Membership Plans which are designed to include the routine recommended pet wellness and preventative care including all examinations, recommended vaccinations and preventative diagnostics. For a small additional fee, you can add on the spay/neuter option for your pet.