WE TYPICALLY RECOMMEND THAT DOGS AND CATS BE SPAYED AND NEUTERED WHEN THEY’RE ABOUT
6 MONTHS OLD.
However, the age can vary, depending on breed and the pet’s overall physical health and condition.
Here at Broomfield Veterinary Hospital, we offer spay and neuter surgical services for dogs, cats, and other small mammals. Spaying, also known as an ovariohysterectomy, involves removing the uterus and ovaries from a female animal. Neutering, also known as castration, involves removing the testicles from a male animal. Just as with any other surgery we perform, we make every pet’s safety and comfort our #1 priority during each procedure we perform.
Spay and Neuter Benefits
Although spaying and neutering are very common veterinary surgeries, not everyone – especially new pet owners – understands why they’re done in the first place. These procedures come with a number of benefits, both for your pet and for you.
Spaying your dog or cat before their first heat cycle:
- Decreases the risk of breast tumors, which can be fatal
- Prevents uterine infections
- Prevents heat cycles, which involve howling and excessive urinating to attract a mate
- Increases the chances of a longer, healthier life
- Prevents unwanted litters
Neutering your dog or cat:
- Reduces the chances that your pet will seek to run away to look for a mate
- Prevents unwanted litters
- Decreases aggressive and destructive behaviors
- Eliminates testicular cancer and certain prostate disease risks
- Reduces or eliminates spraying and marking
Before and After Surgery
All pets must be dropped off for spaying and neutering in the morning and picked up in the afternoon. A member of our team can discuss the exact times when you make your appointment. Because anesthesia can make pets nauseous, we also ask that you withhold food after midnight the night before surgery. You can give water as normal. As with other surgeries, we will perform a comprehensive physical exam and vaccination history before beginning the procedure. We will also develop an anesthesia plan customized to your pet’s specific needs.
Upon pickup, you will be given post-surgical instructions, including monitoring of the incision site. It is strongly recommended that you use an E-collar or similar device to prevent your pet from biting or licking their sutures. You’ll have the opportunity to purchase an E-collar when you fill out the paperwork at the time of drop-off.
