It is mindboggling how quickly one non-spayed female cat can become a large population of cats. Each new litter is ready to breed in just four months, so you could have another litter in just six months, not to mention the original mom is likely on her next litter since she can become pregnant even before her litter is weaned. The only way to avoid this speedy cycle is to spay your pet. While dogs do not breed quite as rapidly and mature at a somewhat later age, depending on breed, it is no less important to spay a female dog to avoid pregnancy.
In addition to avoiding having a litter of puppies or kittens to find homes for, the decision to spay your pet is the best way to prevent an infection of the uterus and tumors in the breasts. Since these tumors are often cancerous and fatal (roughly 50% of dogs and 90% of cats) and will occur in roughly 25% of non-spayed female dogs, spaying your pet is the best option for their long-term welfare. While tumors of the uterus or ovaries are less common, they are also a possibility that can be avoided by spaying.
Going beyond the medical and overpopulation reasons, you should spay your pet if you do not wish to deal with the behavioral changes that a cat or dog in heat displays. Between howling and excess urination to attract a mate, your home can become a very unpleasant place to be.
If you are ready to spay your pet or you have questions about the procedure and what to expect, give us a call at Plaza Veterinary Hospital in Burlington, North Carolina. We provide complete care for cats and dogs, including spaying and neutering services. Our extended hours in the evenings and on Saturdays make it easy for you to fit in this important task into your schedule. Call today to learn more or schedule your pet’s spaying.