spayingSpaying and neutering are among the most requested services at our Sherwood Family Pet Clinic in Sherwood, OR. Deciding to spay or neuter your pet requires carefully weighing the benefits versus the drawbacks. Most people feel that having their pet undergo this routine surgery is worth not worrying about raising puppies or kittens. Knowing when and how to arrange for spaying or neutering at the animal hospital helps you start planning your pet’s care.

When to Take Your Puppy or Kitten to the Veterinarian

We recommend having this procedure done when your puppy is 6 to 8 months old. However, your pet’s veterinarian might recommend waiting longer for large dogs and breeds known for having orthopedic concerns and urinary issues. Usually, those pups will be ready for surgery once their growth stops. Since cats can get pregnant early in their lives, we’ll usually recommend arranging for spaying and neutering at 6 months old..

Benefits of Spaying and Neutering

The most apparent benefit of arranging for this surgery is preventing unexpected puppies or kittens that you might not find someone willing to adopt. Pets that undergo reproductive surgery may also be less likely to roam without the influence of their hormones, causing them to want to do things such as jump fences to mate..

What to Expect With Pet Surgery

When you bring your pup or cat to the animal hospital for surgery, follow directions regarding fasting. These instructions help keep your pet safe under anesthesia, and we find most pets do fine until they can have their first post-op meal. Before your pet is eligible for surgery, it may also need vaccinations and a checkup. We recommend starting early in your pet’s life with spaying or neutering.

On the day of your pet’s surgery, we’ll perform a standard intake procedure and ask you to leave them in our care. The fur in the surgical area will be shaved and some hair will be shaved on the front leg where the IV catheter is placed. Your pet will go home in the afternoon on the same day of surgery.  We’ll let you know how to care for your pet once you take them home. You’ll ensure they don’t get too active and injure their incision site. Some pets require a mild oral sedative pill to help keep them calm.

Schedule Your Pet’s Spay or Neuter Service

There’s no time like the present to plan for spaying and neutering. We are booking about 2 months out for this type of surgery. Call (775) 383 6154 at the Sherwood Family Pet Clinic in Sherwood, OR, and we’ll make an appointment for your pet to get this necessary procedure done.