How Spaying Can Safeguard Your Pet's Health and Future

Did you know that millions of dogs and cats wind up in shelters each year? Pet sterilization through spaying can help curb this overpopulation problem by eliminating your pet’s risk of getting pregnant. Rush Animal Care Clinic in Johnston, IA, performs this preventative care procedure regularly to ensure pets remain healthy and happy in the future. Continue reading to learn how spaying can safeguard your pet’s health and future.

What Is Spaying?

Spaying is a routine procedure done on female dogs and cats to remove reproductive organs, such as the uterus and ovaries. Removing these organs ensures your female pet cannot get pregnant and reproduce. Spaying is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning your pet can return home from the animal hospital on the same day as the surgery.

Spaying Advantages

In addition to preventing unwanted pregnancies, spaying offers several health and behavioral benefits for your pet. Some of the advantages of this procedure include:

•             No urge to run off to look for a mate

•             Increased lifespan

•             No heat cycles

•             Lower risk of uterine infections

•             Reduced risk of breast cancer

•             No risk of ovarian or uterine cancer

•             Reduces or eliminates behavioral problems

When Can I Have My Pet Spayed?

The timeframe for when your pet can get spayed depends on its age, general health, and species. Dogs should get spayed between six months and a year old. However, the timing varies based on your dog’s breed. Cats should get this procedure between four and six months. Consult your veterinarian near you to determine the best timeframe for spaying your pet.

What Should I Expect?

Our veterinary team gives your pet anesthesia to keep it safe during surgery. Our vet will then make an incision to remove your pet’s reproductive organs. They will monitor your pet’s vitals, including blood pressure and heart rate, to ensure safety during the surgery. Our vet then closes the incision and monitors your pet as it wakes up. Once the pet sterilization procedure is over, our vet will give you instructions on post-surgical care, such as:

•             When your pet can resume regular activity

•             How to help your pet stay calm and rest

•             How to protect the incision from chewing or scratching

•             How to spot signs of an infected incision

Protect Your Pet’s Health and Happiness With Preventative Care at Rush Animal Care Clinic

If you are searching for a “veterinarian near you” to spay your pet, look no further than Rush Animal Care Clinic in Johnston, IA. Our team can maintain your pet’s well-being with preventative care like spaying or neutering, so call us and schedule an appointment today at (515) 270-2240 to ensure long-term health and happiness for your pet!