Help reduce homeless pets in Upper Michigan and get health benefits for your pet!
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. These unexpected and unwanted cats and dogs often fill shelters and are never given the chance at happy, loving lives.
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. Powers Veterinary Clinic recommends spaying your pet at 6 months of age, depending on your dog’s breed, and ideally before the patient’s first heat.
Spaying Benefits
- Prevents unwanted pregnancies.
- Eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine tumors.
- Removes the possibility of uterine infections.
- reduces the incidence of mammary cancer.
What to expect after surgery
Spaying is a major surgery that requires 10-14 days of recovery time and may include medication; lethargy is common for the first couple of days following the procedure. It is important to keep your pet calm for the days following the procedure and to prevent them from causing self-trauma to the incision site. Your pet doesn’t realize that it had surgery and will not restrict its own activity, they rely on you.
Neutering
Neutering is performed on male cats and dogs. This process castrates the animal, removing its 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.
Neutering Benefits
- Prevents unwanted reproduction.
- Placates the animal, reducing aggressive behavior and decreasing dominant tendencies.
- Reduces roaming and spraying (territory marking).
- Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer.
What to expect after surgery
Although less invasive than spaying, neutering is still a major medical procedure that requires some recovery time. Following the procedure your pet will be sleepy from the anesthesia, this lethargy may last a couple of days. Medication will be dispensed for postoperative pain. It is important to keep your pet calm for the days following the procedure and to prevent them from causing self-trauma to the incision site. Your pet doesn’t realize that it had surgery and will not restrict its own activity, they rely on you.
Spay or Neuter Your Dog or Cat
To learn more about spaying and neutering, or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at 906-498-2239 and we’ll be happy to help.