Spaying and Neutering In Williams Lake

It should come as no surprise that local animal shelters are often operating at maximum capacity. The supply of cats and dogs that need homes greatly exceeds the demand of responsible, willing pet owners. At Williams Lake Veterinary Hospital, we provide spaying and neutering in Williams Lake to help combat the overcrowding of animal shelters. If you are considering doing your part in reducing problems in overpopulation of dogs and cats, read on to learn about the pros and cons of these procedures so you can make an informed decision for your pet. We also offer many other services for you to take care of your pet in Williams Lake.

Spaying is the general term used for an ovariohysterectomy of a female animal. In other words, when a female animal is spayed, her reproductive organs, both ovaries and the uterus, are removed prior to sexual maturity in most cases. Neutering is the general term used for the castration of a male animal. In this procedure, the male animal’s reproductive organs, or testicles, are removed generally at the young age of 6 months old. Neutering can take place as early as 8 weeks in some cases and older dogs can also be neutered. While technically these terms are separate to indicate whether the animal is male or female, neutering is often the general term used for both procedures.

The Pros and Cons of Spaying and Neutering in Williams Lake

Spaying and neutering, like any medical procedure for your pet, requires some thought about the outcomes. Even though this procedure has been done for decades, when it comes to deciding what is best for your four-legged friend, you want to be informed. Below are some of the pros and cons of spaying and neutering procedures from Williams Lake Veterinary Hospital:

Pros

• Reduced Population: The overpopulation of cats and dogs is a serious problem. When you allow your pet to have a litter of puppies or kittens, you are simply adding to the problem. The more animals enter the world, the less likely it is they will be able to find a suitable home for their care.
• Reduced Behavioural Concerns: When your pet is spayed or neutered, the innate drive to find a mate to reproduce is eliminated. Without this instinctual drive, your pet may become quieter, calmer, and less aggressive. Spayed and neutered animals are known to get along better with people and other pets.
• Less Mess: If your female dog has not been spayed, you will have to consider how to handle the bloody discharge when she is in heat, which can create uncleanliness and stain many surfaces in your home. Male dogs that have been neutered are less likely to mark their territory with urine – both outside and inside your home.
• Healthier Pets: Perhaps the most important pro from spaying and neutering is the increased health of your pet. Cats and dogs that have been spayed and neutered tend to have fewer health problems including less risk of uterine infections, ovarian cysts, and reproductive cancers.

Cons

• Sterilization: It may seem obvious but spaying or neutering your pet will result in the inability for your pet to have puppies or kittens later in life.
• Possible Weight Gain: Following a spaying or neutering procedure, some cats and dogs tend to gain weight.
• Cost: Any procedure performed on your pet will have an associated cost, but the cost is minimal in comparison to caring for an entire litter of puppies or kittens.

As you can see, there are many more pros than cons when it comes to this procedure. Spaying and neutering are rather commonplace surgeries and although your pet will need a few days to recover, helping reduce the overpopulation problem, the health benefits, and the behavioural benefits make it worthwhile.

If you have made the decision to play a part in helping the overpopulation crisis by spaying or neutering your Williams Lake cat or dog, contact us today. Appointments should typically be made in advance of 5-7 business days for these services. Contact us today!