Spay & Neuter
Although Highland Pet Hospital is one of the most respected reproductive clinics in the Southeastern United States, we understand that not all pet owners want to breed their pets- and not all pets are good candidates for breeding. If you do not intend to breed your pet, we strongly recommend spaying or neutering your pet.
When should I spay or neuter my pet?
For females, it is recommended to spay your pet prior to their first heat cycle. For healthy pets, a spay or neuter can be done as early as 8 weeks. Most procedures are done between the ages of 4 and 6 months.
Why is spaying or neutering my pet important?
- Spaying and neutering helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives and can eliminate or reduce the incidence of a number of health problems that can be very difficult or expensive to treat.
- Spaying eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer. It also greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer, particularly when your pet is spayed before her first heat cycle
- Neutering eliminates testicular cancer and decreases the incidence of prostate disease.
- Neutering cats makes them less likely to spray and mark territory.
- Unsterilized animals often exhibit more behavior and temperament problems.
- Neutering makes pets less likely to roam the neighborhood, run away, or get into fights.