Should I opt for spaying my pet?
This is the question most pet owners have when they have a female dog or cat. The thing to remember here is that deciding to spay is actually an emotional, sensitive, and controversial topic. This is something in addition to the myths prevailing around this topic. But you can bring many health benefits to your pet medically when you decide to spay:
- Protection against breast tumors:
Expert veterinarians are of the mind that spaying a female pet will protect her from getting mammary or breast tumors. The risk of getting mammary tumors is stated to be at 0.05% if a female dog or cat is spayed prior to the first heat. If it is done after the first cycle, the risk is at 8% and it reaches 26% after the second cycle. There will not be protection anymore if she is spayed after her two years. Even, after this if you think whether spaying my pet is right, you can protect her from other conditions like pyometra. This is why most veterinarians suggest spaying prior to the first heat, which typically happens around the 9-10 month range.
- Pyometra prevention:
This is a condition in which the uterus is filled with pus. This is a condition that is common in dogs that are not spayed. This condition can affect many other internal organs as well. For instance, kidneys are the organs mostly affected by pyometra. If the pyometra matures, it can rupture and can break, thereby risking your pet’s life.
- To avoid unplanned pregnancies:
Of course, as you know, you should not ask the question is spaying my pet the right option, if you do not want puppies taking up space in your home. If you do not have room or the resources to pay for a litter puppies, the best thing is to choose to spay your pet to avoid unwanted pregnancies.
Spaying can also help with preventing ovarian diseases, tumors in uterus, and eclampsia. In other words, spaying your female dog has risks because of the surgery aspect, but we think the benefits far outweigh those risks. Here at Parkway Veterinary Center, we have a state-of-the-art surgery suite, as well as all the medical equipment and dedicated veterinarians necessary to keep the amount of risk as minimal as possible. We also have convenient drop-off and pick-up times to fit around your busy schedule. Don’t trust just anyone with your pet’s health, trust the experts at SVC!