Skip to Content

Pet Neutering and Spaying in Castle Rock

September 22nd, 2014 by Cherished Companions Animal Clinic

At five months, this male kitten will go through cat neutering.

If you’ve recently added a little one to your pet family, we hope you’re enjoying life with your puppy or kitten!

To help you navigate your furry friend’s initial healthcare needs, we’ve created this article on pet neutering and spaying in Castle Rock, Colorado.

We want to put your mind at ease about the neutering and spaying process.

(Simply want to schedule neutering or spaying? Call our veterinarians at 303-688-3757 or book your visit here.)

Cat neutering and spaying

Okay, first things first: terminology!

Cat neutering” is a surgical procedure for male cats.

Cat spaying” is a surgical procedure for female cats.

If you have a male kitten, our veterinarians recommend having your cat neutered by 5 months of age. (Male cats reach sexual maturity around 6 months of age.)

  • Neutering your cat eliminates his chance of getting testicular cancer.
  • Plus, you decrease the likelihood of certain behaviors, such as your cat “marking” his territory — and your home — with urine.

Female cats mature quickly!

If your kitten is female, we recommend you have your cat spayed between 8 weeks and 6 months of age.

  • By spaying your cat before she starts going into heat, you reduce her chance of certain types of cancers.
  • And from a behavioral perspective, you reduce her urge to “roam” and get out of your house in search of male cats.

Dog neutering and spaying

The same terminology applies with dogs.

Dog neutering” is a surgical procedure for male dogs.

Dog spaying” is a surgical procedure for female dogs.

If you’re thinking about having your pup neutered, we suggest have the procedure done before he is 12 months old. It’s best to do it before he’s 6 months of age.

If you have a female dog, it’s important to have her spayed before she starts going into heat.

With that in mind, it’s best to have her spayed around 6 months of age or earlier.

There is some controversy around dog neutering and spaying

If you neuter or spay a medium-breed or a large-breed dog too young, there are some that suggest your dog has a chance of having orthopedic issues.

If you wait or decide not to invest in dog neutering or spaying, you increase your dog’s chances of getting prostate cancer or breast cancer.

Clearly, there’s a trade-off.

As you weigh the pros and cons, keep in mind that orthopedic problems are usually correctable, but prostate and breast cancers can kill your beloved friend.

What to expect at our Castle Rock veterinary clinic

When it comes to pet neutering and spaying, we’re big believers in individualized care.

Not every pet is the same, and your dog or cat may have special needs.

When you bring your little one to our Castle Rock veterinary clinic, you can expect our veterinarians to treat him or her as an individual.

We use anesthesia in our pet neutering and spaying procedures, tailoring our care to your pet’s unique needs.

Your cat or dog will receive optimal care, including:

  • An IV catheter and IV fluids
  • Medications to help minimize pain
  • Monitoring of vital respiratory functions
  • A one-night overnight stay in our Castle Rock veterinary clinic
  • An evaluation the following morning

We want to keep your pet quiet and restful in the 12 to 24 hours after the surgery and check his or her health the next morning.

By the next day, you can expect your cat or dog to be almost back to normal.

We’ll send your pet home with pain medication and ask that you keep him or her quiet (meaning minimal activity) for seven days to protect the incision line.

Try to keep your pet from running or jumping.

If you have a dog, we recommend that you put your dog on the leash when he or she has to go outdoors.

More resources on pet neutering and spaying

—————

Tips from a Castle Rock veterinarian: 8 tips to keep your dog safe & happy in Castle Rock

—————

Cherished Companions Animal Clinic is a veterinary clinic in Castle Rock, Colorado. Specializing in the care of cats and dogs, our goal is to help you and your pet feel more comfortable, keeping your stress to a minimum.

This article is intended to provide general guidance on pet neutering and spaying in Castle Rock. If you have specific questions or concerns, please contact your local veterinarian. (If you live in or around Castle Rock, we welcome your call: 303-688-3757.)

 © 2014, Cherished Companions Animal Clinic, All Rights Reserved

Back to top