Spay & Neuter

Spaying and Neutering

Every year thousands of stray and unwanted animals are euthanized in shelters across the United States. Many of these deaths are the avoidable result of owners failing to spay and neuter their pets. Even if you keep a close watch on your pet, accidents happen, and unexpected offspring means more animals that won’t be given the chance at full, happy lives.

Spaying and neutering can help end this cycle, and both procedures can have health benefits for pets.

What Are the Benefits of Spaying/Neutering?

Neutering

• Reduces risk of developing testicular cancer and prostate problems
• Eliminates or reduces marking and spraying
• Reduces likeliness of roaming and aggressive behavior
• Reduces pet overpopulation/number of unwanted pets
• Increases your pet’s lifespan by 1-3 years for dogs and 3-5 years for cats

Spaying

• Reduces risk of mammary gland tumors and uterine cancer
• Eliminates heat cycles and associated undesirable behaviors
• Reduces desire to roam
• Increases your pet’s lifespan by 1-3 years for dogs and 3-5 years for cats
• Reduces pet overpopulation/number of unwanted pets

Is Spaying/Neutering Safe?

Yes, spaying/neutering is just as safe as any other surgery we perform. As an AAHA-accredited practice, Michigan City Animal Hospital follows strict surgical guidelines, including anesthesia protocols. We also require pre-anesthetic laboratory testing to help ensure the safety of our patients before, during surgery, and we use only the most up-to-date surgical and anesthesia equipment. Lastly, our registered technicians will be on hand to monitor your pet before, during, and after surgery.

Spaying

Spaying is a common surgical procedure performed on female cats and dogs. The process is called an ovariohysterectomy and involves removing the patient’s uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, rendering the animal incapable of reproduction. Michigan City Animal Hospital veterinarians recommend spaying your pet at 6-12 months, depending on your dog’s breed and ideally before the patient’s first heat.

What to Expect After Surgery

Spaying is a major surgery requiring 10-14 days of recovery time. Recovery may also include pain medication and lethargy is common for the first couple of days following the procedure.

Neutering

Neutering is performed on male cats and dogs. This process castrates the animal, removing their testicles and making them unable to impregnate females. Neutering is advised when your pet is 6 months old but can be performed on older animals as well.

What to Expect After Surgery

Although less invasive than spaying, neutering is still a major medical procedure that requires some recovery time. Recovery may also include pain medication and lethargy is common for the first couple of days following the procedure. It’s extremely important that you monitor your pet to prevent the animal from licking or biting the incision to reduce the risk of infection.

Spaying and Neutering Services in Michigan City, IN

To learn more about spaying and neutering, or to schedule an appointment, contact us at 219-872-4191.