Spay and Neuter for Dogs and Cats in Irvine, CA
Having your cat or dog neutered or spayed when they reach a certain age might seem like standard procedure, but it should always be approached with respect to your pet’s personal needs. Here at our animal hospital in Irvine, we take every dog, cat, and rabbit patient on a case-by-case basis. This means that we avoid one-size-fits-all veterinary care and elect to only perform the services that benefit your companion the most. Nonetheless, cat and dog neuter and spay surgeries are common for a reason, and we will be glad to discuss the procedure with you, so you can better understand its purpose and various benefits.
The Age Your Pet Should Be Spayed or Neutered
On average, cats and dogs are neutered or spayed around 6 months of age. However, there is no exact age at which spaying and neutering are best performed. It all depends on your pet’s health history, their breed, size, and general lifestyle. That’s why it is so important for us to discuss your pet’s needs ahead of time, conduct a thorough physical exam, and establish a comprehensive health profile.
The Benefits of Cat and Dog Neutering and Spaying
If your pet has been spayed or neutered to improve their quality of life, they should experience several health and behavioral benefits, including:
Neuter (males)
- Reduced aggressiveness
- Reduced or eliminated roaming tendencies
- Reduced likelihood of developing testicular cancer
- Reduced likelihood of developing prostatitis, or benign prostatic hyperplasia
- Reduced or eliminated marking/spraying
- Less likely to try to mount objects, other animals, etc.
- A longer lifespan
Spay (females)
- No unwanted pregnancies
- No heat cycle/spotting
- Reduced or eliminated roaming tendencies
- Reduced likelihood of developing mammary and uterine cancer
- Reduced likelihood of developing pyometra
- A longer lifespan
We Can Help You Make the Best Decision
While spaying and neutering dogs and cats can help reduce pet overpopulation and prevent or reduce a number of diseases and destructive behaviors, there are many other variables to consider before committing to a decision.