Getting Your Pet Fixed

One of the most responsible decisions you can make as a pet owner is to spay and neuter your pet. This common procedure not only prevents unwanted litters but also supports your furry companion’s long-term health. According to veterinary experts, altering your pet reduces the risk of certain cancers and behavioral issues, such as aggression and roaming. It also eases the pressure on shelters overwhelmed by homeless animals, saving countless lives and valuable resources. By ensuring that your pet does not contribute to the stray population, you help create a safer environment for communities and wildlife alike. Additionally, many veterinarians report that pets often recover swiftly, especially when the surgery is performed at an appropriate age. In the following guide, we will explore what to expect before, during, and after the procedure, as well as why spaying and neutering is vital for the wellbeing of your pet and your community.

Valentine’s Day is approaching, and love is in the air. The stores are filling with romantic trappings, such as flowers and candies. However, when it comes to pets, the focus really should be on stopping those romantic rendez-vous. It’s Prevent A Litter Month, Spay/Neuter Month, and Feline Fix By Five Month. All three of these awareness events share the same goal: reducing the number of unwanted litters of puppies and kittens. A local Fort Myers, FL veterinarian offers some insight into this topic below.

The Health Benefits Of Getting A Pet Fixed

While we would put curbing animal overpopulation as the greater, underlying reason for promoting spaying and neutering, there are also some key benefits for your pet.

Here are a few of the key ones: 

Reduce Unwanted Behaviors: Those heat cycles and hormonal urges can come with some pretty messy side effects. For instance, intact male pets are much more likely to spray. They’re also more aggressive, and more prone to things like digging, chewing, and trying to escape. These things can be dangerous, and may even spark the need for urgent pet care. That alone is worth it!

Lower Cancer Risk: Spaying or neutering will reduce the likelihood of your beloved pet developing certain cancers. Females will have lower risk of ovarian, uterine, and mammary gland tumors. Males have drastically reduced risks of testicular cancer, while unaltered males have a higher chance of developing prostate issues.

Longer Lifespan: Pets who have been fixed tend to live longer than those who remain intact. There are a few reasons for this. The dangers of complications from pregnancy and/or delivering are eliminated for females. There’s also the reduced cancer risk we mentioned above. Plus, pets are less likely to roam, which in turn means they are less vulnerable to getting lost, hurt, or stolen.

Getting Your Pet Fixed Can Help Curb Overpopulation

There are millions of pets in shelters or living on the streets. Puppies and kittens are cute, but there are already so many animals that need help. This is definitely a case of a collective effort. Every pet counts!

Let’s look at Fluffy and Fido’s reproductive statistics. 

Canine Reproduction Statistics 

Our canine companions can have about two litters per year, with the average litter size being about six to ten. A single pair of dogs can have 67,000 descendants in just six years! Of course, that’s just an average. Some dogs have way more babies than that. The world record goes to a Neapolitan Mastiff named Tia. Tia had a whopping 24 puppies in a 2004 litter, which earned her a spot in the Guinness Book Of World Records. 

Feline Reproduction Statistics

Cats can have three litters a year. This would normally be about 4-6 kittens each. One pair of kitties can have as many as 2, 072, 514 descendants in just eight years! Fluffy can give Tia a run for her money though. Back in 1970, a Burmese/Siamese cat gave birth to 19 kittens!

Puppies and kittens are adorable, but unfortunately, those numbers tie into some much more sobering ones. Every year, about 7.6 million animals enter American shelters. Unfortunately, many never leave: roughly 1.2 million dogs and 1.4 million cats are euthanized annually. That’s not even counting the millions of homeless pets that are out there fending for themselves. It’s a rough life for animals on the street: many live very short, very hard lives.

When Should I Spay/Neuter A Kitten?

Ideally, your feline pal should be fixed before she goes into her first heat, which is around five months. (Hence the Feline Fix By Five Month awareness event.) Cats can get pregnant at just four months old, when they are really still babies themselves. Fluffy can be fixed at just eight weeks old, though many veterinarians now prefer to wait a little longer than that. Talk to your Fort Myers, FL veterinarian, and follow their advice.

Can I Still Get An Adult Pet Fixed?

While it’s best to have pets fixed before they are sexually mature, it isn’t a must: the procedures can still safely be done on adults. Talk to your veterinarian.

When Should I Spay/Neuter A Kitten?

Currently, the AKC recommends fixing small dogs around the age of six to nine months. However, Fido’s size will factor in. For large breeds, you may need to wait longer. Some giant dogs shouldn’t have the surgery until they are 18 months old. Contact your veterinary clinic right away if you notice anything amiss.

Your Fort Myers, FL veterinary clinic will be able to make a specific recommendation.

Are Pets More Affectionate After Neutering?

That’s often the case. Fluffy and Fido are cute, cuddly, and lovable before they are fixed, but don’t be surprised if they are even more so after. Removing that innate hormonal urge to find a mate and reproduce can have a drastic impact on your pet’s behavior. Dogs and cats that have been fixed are usually no longer interested in marking their territory or trying to find a mate, so they usually turn their focus on playing, cuddling, and collecting belly rubs. They also tend to be calmer.

How Can I Help My Pet Recover From Spay/Neuter Surgery?

Your veterinary hospital will give you aftercare instructions, often in the form of a care sheet. Follow the instructions to the letter.

Offer your furry friend a clean, quiet, comfy place to recover. (If you’re considering getting a new bed, this is a great time to do it.) If you have other pets, keep them in a separate area for the first few days, and just let your furry patient rest and heal. 

As your pet is recuperating, check on them frequently. You will want to keep a close eye on the surgical area. Generally, just watch for any signs of infection or complications. These include the following:

• Redness
• Pus
• Swelling
• Bleeding
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Torn Stitches
• Foul Odor
• Lethargy
• Lack Of Appetite

Contact your veterinary clinic right away if you notice anything amiss.

Pets do have a tendency to try to scratch or nibble stitches. Your vet may recommend an inflatable collar or lampshade collar (aka the Cone Of Shame) to prevent them from opening the stitches. Your Fort Myers, FL  veterinary clinic will give you information on this.

How Long Will My Pet Take To Recover From Being Fixed?

It’s worth noting that boys heal faster from the procedure than girls will. Males will be over the healing ‘hump’ in a few days, while females may not be fully healed for a few weeks. 

Bonus: Additional Reason To Get Your Cat Fixed

We can’t really discuss spaying or neutering pets without at least touching on one of the less-talked about benefits of getting Fluffy fixed: the fact that you’ll be spared your amorous pet’s horrific kitty love songs. Your feline pal may be super cute and lovable, but her musical capacities definitely leave a lot to be desired. When cats go into heat, they try to attract mates by singing. Or, what they seem to consider singing. Apparently, other felines for some reason find this ‘caterwauling’ appealing. To our human ears, however, it’s more like a low-key torture. 

How Spay and Neuter Your Pet Can Save You Money and Prevent Risks

What are the specific financial benefits of spaying/neutering?

Spaying or neutering can significantly lower long-term veterinary costs by preventing expensive reproductive and cancer-related health issues, such as mammary, ovarian, uterine, or testicular tumors. Surgical procedures or treatments for these conditions can be much costlier than the initial cost of sterilization. It also helps curb behaviors that lead to property damage or emergencies, reducing costs for repairs or urgent veterinary care. Fewer accidents from roaming lessen the likelihood of injuries and associated vet bills. Additionally, avoiding unplanned litters prevents expenses for caring for newborns, such as vaccinations and food. Ultimately, spaying/neutering lowers unexpected medical expenses and helps individuals save money over time.

What does the recovery process involve in detail?

After the procedure, animals benefit from a calm, clean, and comfortable space to rest. It’s recommended to keep them separate from other pets for a few days to prevent rough play and allow stitches to heal. Monitoring the surgical incision for redness, swelling, or foul odors is vital, and any unusual symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, or fever should prompt a veterinarian visit. An Elizabethan or inflatable collar may be needed to stop scratching or licking stitches. Males often recover within a few days, while females may need a few weeks of gentle care.

What are some of the common signs of complications after surgery?

Signs of possible post-surgical complications include unusual redness or swelling near the incision, discharge such as pus or blood, or any foul odor. Behavior changes like lethargy or a sudden decrease in appetite should also be monitored, along with vomiting or diarrhea. Elevated temperatures can signal infection, as can torn or removed stitches. Pets often scratch or nibble at stitches, so protective collars may be recommended. Minor swelling can be normal, but persistent or worsening inflammation warrants professional attention to rule out possible infection. Quick intervention helps reduce pain and supports better healing.

Are there any potential negative effects or risks of spaying/neutering?

Spaying or neutering sometimes involves potential risks, including complications from anesthesia, infection, or unexpected bleeding. Hormonal changes can contribute to weight gain if diet and exercise aren’t closely monitored. Some studies suggest that early neutering might increase the likelihood of orthopedic concerns in certain large-breed dogs. However, when performed at an age recommended by a veterinarian, these procedures are typically safe. Proper aftercare, including rest, monitoring for infections, and following feeding guidelines, can reduce complications. Consulting a veterinary professional ensures each pet’s timing and overall care plan is tailored to breed, size, and health status.

What are common myths or objections to spaying/neutering, and how can they be addressed?

A common misconception is that spaying or neutering causes pets to gain weight or lose protective instincts. Weight gain usually results from overfeeding and lack of exercise, while protective behaviors often remain. Some believe that sterilization is unnatural or harmful, yet research shows it prevents certain cancers and can extend a pet’s lifespan. Others worry the procedure changes a pet’s personality, but many animals actually become calmer while retaining their unique traits. Professional guidance and evidence-based insights can help address these concerns and promote responsible pet care.

Visit Our Fort Myers, FL Pet Clinic

Are you ready to schedule spay/neuter surgery for your pet? Do you have questions about getting your furry buddy fixed? Contact us, your local Fort Myers, FL  pet hospital, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs.