When you have your female pet spayed and your male pet neutered, you help combat animal overpopulation, but you also give your pet valuable benefits. At Edmond East Animal Hospital, we counsel owners on the benefits of and the best time for cat and dog neuter and spay surgery. We also give you detailed after-care instructions and let you know what to expect from pet surgery.

To book your cat or dog's spay or neuter surgery, please use our online form or call us at (405) 701-9000.

Benefits of Cat and Dog Neuter and Spay Surgery

The medical and behavioral benefits of having your cat and dog neutered or spayed contribute to a better quality of life for you both. Both male and female cats and dogs are less likely to roam looking for a mate after surgery. In turn, they are less likely to become lost or injured, and you won’t have to spend as much time worrying about them running off.

The benefits for female cats and dogs include:

  • The chances of developing ovarian and uterine cancers are dramatically reduced
  • The incidence of breast tumors is reduced, which are very often malignant.
  • Unwanted pregnancies and litters are reduced or eliminated if spaying is undergone before the first heat cycle.
  • Urine marking behavior is reduced or eliminated.
  • Roaming behavior is reduced or eliminated

The benefits for male cats and dogs include:

  • The risk for testicular cancer is eliminated.
  • The incidence of prostate disease is markedly reduced.
  • Urine marking behavior is reduced or eliminated.
  • Mounting behavior is reduced or eliminated.
  • Roaming behavior is reduced or eliminated.
Cat and Dog Neuter or Spay in Edmond, OK

Anticipating Your Cat and Dog’s Neuter or Spay Surgery

Spay and neuter surgery is a same-day procedure that requires no overnight stay. We ask that you refrain from giving your pet any food the night before and limit their water intake. Once we comfortably anesthetize them, their vitals are closely monitored, and a technician is with them at all times. After surgery is complete, we immediately alert you on your pet’s condition and set a pick-up time.

The timing of cat and dog neuter or spay surgery is dependent on many factors. Schedule a wellness visit for a new puppy or kitten so we can discuss when to schedule the procedure. Many female cats and dogs can be spayed before their first heat cycle, which typically occurs between four and six months old. Larger breed dogs may benefit from gastropexy at the same time as spay and neuter surgery to prevent a life-threatening bloating condition.

Caring for Your Dog and Cat After Their Spay or Neuter

While we allow ample time for pets to recover from spay or neuter immediately after surgery, we ask that you keep some at-home care in mind. If we send your pet home with medication, please follow the prescribed directions.

Some ways you can care for your pet at home include:

  • Prevent your pet from licking or chewing incisions. A medical cone may be necessary during the first two weeks after surgery.
  • Do not give your pet a bath until sutures are removed or ten days have passed.
  • Allow your pet plenty of time to recover by giving them a quiet place to recover.
  • Try to keep your pet from running and jumping for two weeks following surgery.
  • Check their incisions daily and call us at (405) 701-9000 if you notice unusual discharge, swelling, unattachment.

We look forward to guiding you on your pet’s care! Please call us at (405) 701-9000 with any questions about cat and dog neuter or spay surgery or any of our other essential veterinary services.