At TCAP, our experienced and caring veterinary team regularly provides pediatric spays and neuters. Due to the long-reaching health and social benefits, we are huge advocates for early pet (pediatric) sterilization. With major advances in veterinary medicine it has become possible to safely alter pets that at as young as 8 weeks of age so long as they are over TCAP’s 2lb minimum weight requirement. This means it is easier now more than ever to take advantage of the many benefits that come from spaying and neutering your puppy or kitten.
Benefits of Early Spays and Neuters
There are numerous health benefits that come from spaying and neutering a pet early in their life. Here is a quick list:
Health Benefits for Females
– Significantly reduce the risk of mammary cancer and uterine cancer
– Reduced risk of mammary tumors
– Eliminates the risk of mastitis from nursing
– Eliminates the risk of pyometra – a deadly uterine infection
Health Benefits for Males
– Reduced risk of prostate problems
– Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer
– Male Cats – General increase in life expectancy when compared to intact cats
– Reduced tendency to engage in aggressive behavior
Benefits for the Community
Pursuing a pediatric spay/ neuter for a pet not only poses a health benefit for your pet, but also eliminates the risk of your pet having an unwanted litter. While, a litter of puppies or kittens can be very cute, finding homes for a whole litter is a demanding task, and this is how many animals eventually end up in shelters.
Amazingly, kittens and puppies are able to reproduce as soon as they reach their first heat cycle. This often occurs as early as 4 months of age for kittens and at around 6 months of age for puppies. Beating this first heat cycle is crucial to ensuring there is no chance that your pet will contribute to the homeless pet problem. This doesn’t mean that males get off scot-free! Removing a dog or cats testes reduces the breeding instinct, making them less inclined to roam and more content to stay at home.
It is also important to note that pets have no qualms about reproducing with members of their own litter. If you are raising an unaltered litter of puppies or kittens, you will quickly have another pregnant pet on your hands if you do not intervene. A single litter of puppies or kittens can easily become several litters if action is not taken to stop the reproductive cycle.
Make the Commitment
Any veterinary professional knows that spaying and neutering is the most humane and effective way to combat pet overpopulation. A common reason people are unable to provide this important service to their pets is due to the cost of the surgery. As a nonprofit, TCAP seeks to overcome this barrier by providing the lowest cost spays, neuters, and vaccinations in North Texas. If you have any questions about sterilizing your pet or requesting an appointment at one of our convenient locations, give us a call at 940-566-5551 today! Together we can make a difference for people and their pets throughout North Texas.