SPAY AND NEUTER
Spay and neuter clinic in Toronto and Scarborough
Are you wondering whether you should spay or neuter your pet? At Bellamy-Lawrence Animal Hospital, we know you want the best for your furry friend. It’s therefore important to understand that spaying and neutering are safe procedures that can improve your animal companion’s health and well-being. If you have any questions about these operations or want to book an appointment, contact us today.
What you should know about spaying and neutering
The surgical procedures that prevent your pet from reproducing are known as spaying and neutering. In a female animal, spaying consists of removing the ovaries and uterus. For male animals, neutering involves removing the testicles. In addition to the behavioural and medical benefits of these procedures, ensuring your four-legged companion gets spayed or neutered helps control the pet homelessness crisis, which results in the euthanizing of millions of animals each year.
When to spay or neuter your pet
Both cats and dogs should be spayed or neutered at around five months of age. Although it’s best to perform these procedures before they reach sexual maturity, older animals can be safely sterilized with proper planning.
The advantages of spaying or neutering your pet
On top of preventing unplanned litters, spaying or neutering your pet has several health and behavioural advantages, including the following:
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Eliminate undesirable behaviours. Sterilizing your pet can drastically reduce their urge to roam and fight. In addition, it can minimize your pet’s instinct to mark their territory by spraying or urinating in inappropriate places.
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Minimize health risks. Spaying your female pet can help prevent potentially fatal uterine infections and mammary cancer. Neutering your male cat or dog can reduce their risk of testicular cancer and prostate problems.
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Increase your pet’s lifespan. Studies indicate that spayed and neutered pets live longer than those who aren’t sterilized. On average, dogs live up to three years longer, while cats can live up to five years longer.
These procedures won’t affect your pet’s affection level, intelligence or playfulness. In fact, spaying or neutering your cat or dog can make them more docile. Furthermore, contrary to popular belief, sterilizing your pet won’t make them overweight. Lack of exercise and overfeeding are what cause pets to put on extra pounds.
How to help your pet recover from being sterilized
The veterinarians at Bellamy-Lawrence Animal Hospital will administer a general anaesthetic to ensure your pet’s operation is as comfortable and serene as possible. However, after the procedure, you’ll need to take the following measures to ensure a smooth recovery:
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Administer medication correctly Your pet will likely be sent home with medication to reduce swelling and prevent infection. If so, make sure you follow the instructions on the label. If you have any questions, you can always contact our clinic.
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Feed your pet normally After the surgery, it’s normal for your pet to have a decreased appetite. If this is the case, feed them a smaller meal when you first get home. By the following day, your pet should be able to eat and drink normally.
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Keep the incision dry You should avoid bathing your pet for the first two weeks following the procedure. This will help prevent infection and allow the incision to heal. If necessary, we can provide a cone-shaped collar to prevent your pet from licking the incision site.
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Limit your pet’s activity During the first seven to ten days following the procedure, try to limit your pet’s movements. Strenuous activity such as running, jumping or playing can disrupt the healing process and cause the incision to become swollen or infected.
In addition, it’s important to monitor your pet’s behaviour in the first 48 hours following the operation. If you notice discharge, bleeding or an unpleasant odour coming from the incision site, contact us immediately. Our clinic is open seven days a week to ensure your pet receives the care they need.
Spay or neuter your cat or dog in the Greater Toronto Area
Bellamy-Lawrence Animal Hospital strives to provide top-quality veterinary services. Our clinic specializes in cat and dog neutering and spaying procedures, you can rest assured your pet is in good hands. We serve clients in Toronto, Markham, Richmond Hill, Scarborough and the surrounding areas.
Check our pricing and contact us for more information about our services or to book an appointment.
