Spaying and neutering are important procedures for pets that can benefit both pets and their owners. These procedures help ensure your pet’s safety and health. At Compassion Veterinary Hospital in Bradford, NH, our professional team provides spaying and neutering services. Our veterinarian will walk you through the processes and answer any questions you have.
What Are Spaying and Neutering?
Spaying is the surgical removal of the female’s reproductive parts to stop her from becoming pregnant. The process involves taking out the animal’s ovaries and uterus. Neutering is the surgical removal of some of the male’s reproductive organs to stop him from impregnating any female. This procedure involves the removal of the male’s testicles.
Preparing Your Pet for the Procedure
Spaying and neutering procedures are routine at our animal hospital. Our veterinarian will guide you on how to prepare your animal. The first thing a pet owner should do is to avoid being anxious, as animals can sense it and feel the same way. It is essential to remain as calm as possible to help keep the animal relaxed.
Before the procedure, our experienced veterinarians will examine your pet through pre-anesthetic bloodwork to ensure fitness for a spay or neuter surgery and to help decrease any complications. Like humans prepare for surgery, an animal will also need to fast the night before the appointment.
However, some exceptions apply to animals with specific cases. For example, if your pet suffers from diabetes, our veterinarians may recommend a small meal before surgery.
How to Care for Your Pet after the Procedure
When picking up your pet from our animal clinic, you should already have a set-up area for recovery at home. The space should be comfortable and unbothered by other pets or kids.
Our veterinarian discharges every animal that undergoes surgery with postoperative pain medication and care instructions to ensure a full recovery. We may also choose to keep your pet under observation for several hours after the operation. It will depend on your animal’s age, size, and health status.
During aftercare, keep a close watch on your pet’s progress and talk to our veterinarians if you have any reason for concern. After 7-14 days, you may need to bring back your pet to get the stitches removed.
Benefits of Spay and Neuter Procedures
Spaying or neutering your pet has many benefits. The procedures lower your pet’s risk of certain diseases, like ovarian cancer or testicular cancer. Sterilizing your pet also reduces unwanted behaviors, like aggressiveness or wandering to find a mate. By avoiding unwanted pregnancies, you can also ensure that you don’t contribute to pet overpopulation.