Spaying and neutering pets is one of the kindest things you can do for them. Sadly, there are simply more pets needing homes than there are good homes available. Due to pet overpopulation, far too many pets are being euthanized. Many pets are turned in to shelters due to behavioral issues such as aggression, which could have been decreased or prevented by spaying or neutering. Overall, you are helping the pet overpopulation problem by spaying and neutering your pet.
There is no scientific evidence that suggests a female will have any health or behavioral benefits from having a litter. However, there is much support for health and behavioral benefits from having her spayed!
Spaying and neutering are surgeries that require general anesthesia. While anesthesia always carries some risk, we use the safest possible anesthetic protocol to ensure the risk of a complication is very low. We will also examine your pet before surgery to evaluate for any disease or illnesses that may increase your pet's anesthetic risk. An intravenous catheter is placed to ensure timely administration of medication needed during surgery as well as fluids are given to maintain hydration and blood pressure. We also recommend pre-operative bloodwork as an additional precaution, to further identify potential risks associated with general anesthesia.
There is not an association between changes in personality with spaying and neutering. Aggression and your pet's desire to escape and roam will likely be decreased, which may seem like your pet is calmer. But your pet will be as loving and playful, and react to things and people the same as before the surgery.
Since spaying and neutering removes the organs producing sex hormones, there is a change in metabolism. This change is similar to a person growing out of their teenage years. Because the metabolism has changed, the amount of calories taken in needs to be changed too. Spayed and neutered pets that are overweight or obese is the result of overfeeding, not the surgery. By regulating your dog's diet and caloric intake, you can prevent obesity in your pet.
We use anesthesia methods as well as anti-inflammatory and pain management practices that work together to deliver the safest possible experience for your pet.