Spay & Neuter
A Vital Step for Your Pet’s Health and Our Community
Spaying and neutering are essential procedures that promote a longer, healthier life for your pet while also reducing pet overpopulation. Every year, countless animals end up in shelters, and spaying or neutering your pet helps prevent unwanted litters, ultimately decreasing the number of homeless pets.
At Acres North Animal Clinic, our experienced veterinary team provides safe, compassionate, and individualized surgical care to ensure your pet’s comfort and well-being.
Why Spay or Neuter Your Pet?
- Prevents unwanted pregnancies and helps control the pet population.
- Eliminates the risk of life-threatening infections like pyometra in females.
- Reduces the risk of mammary, ovarian, and testicular cancers.
- Lowers the chances of prostate issues and reproductive-related diseases.
- Reduces undesirable behaviors such as roaming, marking, aggression, and excessive vocalization.
The Acres North Advantage
At Acres North Animal Clinic, we take extra steps to provide a safe, comfortable, and stress-free surgical experience for your pet.
Spaying: What You Need to Know
Spaying is the surgical removal of a female pet’s ovaries and uterus, preventing heat cycles and pregnancy. While routine, it is a more invasive procedure than neutering and typically requires 7-10 days for recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the best age to spay my pet?
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends spaying dogs between 5 and 15 months and cats around 5 months of age. Timing may vary based on breed and health.
Can my pet be spayed if she has already gone into heat?
Yes, but waiting 4-5 months after a heat cycle is ideal to allow the reproductive tract to return to normal size. Spays can be performed while a pet is in heat, though additional charges may be incurred.
Is it safe to spay an older pet?
Yes, but older pets may require additional pre-surgical testing to ensure they are healthy enough for anesthesia and surgery.
Neutering: What You Need to Know
Neutering is the removal of a male pet’s testicles, eliminating reproductive capabilities and providing important health and behavioral benefits. Recovery is typically quick, with most pets resuming normal activity within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the best age to neuter my pet?
The AVMA recommends neutering dogs between 5 and 15 months and cats around 5 months of age. Our veterinarians will provide recommendations based on your pet’s size, breed, and health.
Is neutering safe for older pets?
Yes, but as pets age, they may develop health conditions that could increase surgical risks. A pre-surgical health assessment is crucial to ensure a safe procedure.
Will neutering my pet change their personality?
No. While it may reduce some undesirable behaviors associated with being unaltered, it will not change your pet’s core personality.
What to Expect at Acres North Animal Clinic
Our spay and neuter process is designed for your pet’s safety and comfort:
- Pre-Surgical Exam: A thorough health assessment and bloodwork to confirm your pet is healthy enough for surgery.
- Surgical Procedure: Performed under anesthesia with advanced monitoring for safety.
- Post-Operative Care: Pain management and recovery instructions to ensure a smooth healing process.
Schedule an Appointment
Spaying and neutering are crucial steps in responsible pet ownership. To learn more or to schedule your pet’s procedure, call Acres North Animal Clinic at (210) 494-3436 or schedule your pre-surgical appointment (“Wellness”) online today!
