During the month of March our theme here at Allentown Animal Clinic is “Don’t Leave Your Pet’s Health to Luck”. We are focusing on the benefits of wellness care and regular check ups. One of the best things you can do for your pet is to have it spayed/neutered.
What is Spaying and Neutering?
Spaying is the term used to describe an ovariohysterectomy of a female animal. Neutering is the term used to describe the castration of a male animal. Both, surgical procedures, they are performed by your veterinarian to prevent the animal from being able to reproduce. These procedures are routine and require minimal hospitalization, with most pets able to return home the same day! Pre-surgical bloodwork can be done and pain medications administered to ensure your pet is safe and comfortable during and after the procedure.
Health Benefits
Both procedures offer many health benefits for your pet. Spaying your female cat will prevent the constant crying and pacing of a cat in heat. Spaying your female dog eliminates the mess associated with a female dog in heat.
Spaying your female pet helps to prevent breast cancer and eliminates the risk of uterine infections and cancer.
Many undesirable male behaviors, such as urine marking, aggression and the urge to roam, can be prevented by neutering your male cat or dog. Long term benefits of neutering are preventing testicular cancer and enlargement of the prostate gland.
Benefits for the Community
Animal overpopulation is a serious problem that affects all of us. Millions of tax dollars are spent each year to care for stray and unwanted pets. Shelters are burdened with millions of pets each year that simply there are just not enough homes and willing adopters for.
Stray animals can also contribute to public health issues. There is a danger of transmittable diseases (i.e. Rabies), animal waste, dog bites/attacks.
By taking the responsibility of having your pets spayed and neutered you can help to be part of the solution to this growing problem!
What Will it Cost?
The cost of each procedure depends on your pet’s species, age, gender and weight. Keep in mind, however, that this is a one-time cost versus the cost of caring for a litter and the number of unwanted problems and complications of not having your pet spayed or neutered.
Many areas also offer low cost spay and neuter clinics. Check with your local animal shelters for their low cost options.
Spaying or neutering pets prevents animals from being born accidentally, and is the most effective and humane way to save animals lives.
Allentown Animal Clinic 