At  Hartland Park Animal Hospital in Lexington KY, we have many pet owners schedule spay and neuter procedures for their cats and dogs. It is an essential procedure for your pet, but many owners often have questions surrounding the process. Learn more about spay and neuter surgery by reading on.

Spay and Neuter Explained

Spaying is a surgical procedure that removes female animals' ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes. Neutering is another term for castration or removal of the testicles of a male pet. Both of these procedures are minor and routine for cats and dogs. The typical age for pets to be spayed and neutered is between six and nine months. You should contact a veterinarian from our team to determine the best time to get the procedure done. 

Advantages of Spaying and Neutering

One of the most apparent benefits of spaying and neutering is avoiding unwanted puppies and kittens. However, several positive behavior changes associated with spaying and neutering include:

• Spayed and neutered animals are less likely to stray away from their home.
• Sterilization reduces the urge to act aggressively.
• Males are less likely to urinate to mark their territory after being neutered.
• Spayed females have less likelihood to develop uterus infections or develop tumors. 
• Spayed and neutered pets do not bark or meow as often.

After Surgery

We will give you a detailed post-operative plan once your pet has surgery. It's essential to get your pet in a calm and quiet place away from activity for a few days. You can also check your pet's incision for any signs of inflammation or infection. You should contact our office immediately if you notice any troubling symptoms. Pets usually return to normal within a few days of surgery. We will schedule follow-up appointments with your pet to ensure that your pet is hearing correctly. Some owners also opt for other procedures, such as microchipping, while the pet is under general anesthesia for spaying and neutering.

Schedule Your Pet's Spay or Neuter Procedure at Hartland Park Animal Hospital in Lexington 

You can help control the pet population by spaying or neutering your pet. At Hartland Park Animal Hospital, we have significant experience and expertise in providing high-quality pet care. Call us today at (859) 245-7387 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian.