Spay & Neuter
While spaying and neutering are the most common pet operations, many people know little about them aside from the fact that they prevent unwanted litters of puppies and kittens. At Hickory Grove Animal Hospital, we believe these procedures are important and that information regarding them should be readily available to pet parents. If you are thinking about having your pet spayed or neutered in Charlotte, NC, we are here to help you better understand just how beneficial these procedures are for your pet.
The Benefits of
Spaying and Neutering
Spaying and neutering are procedures during which our veterinarians sterilize pets. Spaying is the procedure for females, and it involves removing the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. The procedure for males is known as “neutering,” and it removes the testicles.
While these operations are primarily intended to prevent pregnancy, they provide several other benefits. In males, neutering helps reduce aggression, roaming, territorial marking, and general hard-headedness. It also eliminates or reduces problems involving the reproductive system, such as prostate and other cancers.
In females, spaying eliminates the risk of several diseases of the reproductive system and lowers the chance of mammary cancer. It can also improve behavior by reducing the urge to roam, howl to attract males, or mark territory. It also prevents heat cycles.
In both males and females, the benefits are greatest when the procedure is performed early in life. Our veterinarians recommend having pets spayed or neutered as young as six months of age. While it’s never too late to have your pet fixed, older pets would be more susceptible to complications.
Understanding the
Spay and Neuter Process
At Hickory Grove Animal Hospital, we prioritize your pet’s safety and comfort throughout their spay or neuter procedure. Here’s what you can expect:
- Consultation & Preoperative Blood Work: Before the surgery, our veterinarians will perform a physical examination and conduct preoperative bloodwork to make sure that your pet is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia. This step helps us identify any underlying health issues that could affect the spay or neuter procedure.
- Anesthesia and Monitoring: During the surgery, your pet will be under general anesthesia. Our veterinary team closely monitors vital signs throughout the procedure.
- Postoperative Care: After the spay or neuter is complete, we provide detailed postoperative instructions to help you care for your pet at home. This includes information on managing pain, activity restrictions, and signs to watch for that might indicate complications.
For more detailed information about our surgical process, you can visit our Surgery page.
Spay and Neuter FAQs
Most pets recover within 10-14 days. During this period, it’s important to follow the postoperative care instructions provided by our team and contact us if you notice any troubling symptoms.
Spaying and Neutering in Charlotte, NC
For spaying and neutering, look no further than the expert team at Hickory Grove Animal Hospital. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a spay or neuter consultation appointment for your dog or cat, we encourage you to contact us today.
Experienced Veterinarian in Charlotte
Hickory Grove Animal Hospital provides pet spaying and neutering for dogs and cats in Charlotte, NC and the surrounding areas, including Matthews, Mint Hill, Plaza Midwood, NoDa, Harrisburg, and the University area.
