Frequently Asked Questions About Spays and Neuters

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

Welcoming a new pet into the family is one of the most exciting things we can do, but with it also comes a lot of new challenges and responsibilities - starting with your first trip to the vet! You want to make sure that your new pup or kitten is as healthy as can be, so you'll need to make an appointment with your veterinarian to start learning about routine check-ups and vaccinations. Then, there's having your pet spayed or neutered.

As this is a surgical procedure, we know that families have a lot of questions about the process and how it affects their furry friends. That's why today, we're here to answer a few of them for you:

Q: When should I spay or neuter my pet?

A: We recommend that you spay or neuter your pet once they reach 6 months of age. 

Q: Why should I spay or neuter my pet?

A: Spaying or neutering is important for a few reasons: 1) it can help prevent overpopulation of cats and dogs, 2) it can help prevent health problems, and 3) it can help prevent behavior problems.

For example, female animals that are not spayed have a higher risk of developing mammary tumors and uterine infection, which require very critical surgery. Additionally, since female dogs and cats do not completely stop going into heat despite their age, there is a chance that they can become pregnant when it is not safe for their bodies. Lastly, male animals that are not neutered are more likely to develop behavior problems, such as urinating throughout your house or being aggressive towards you and perhaps even your other pets. 

Q: Is having my pet spayed or neutered safe?

A: Absolutely. Spaying and neutering is an extremely common surgical procedure, and the veterinarians working on your pet will always put their health and safety first. Here at Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital, we require pre-operative blood work to ensure that your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia, and we follow a number of safety precautions throughout the procedure. For example, we:

• administer IV fluids during surgery to sustain body temperature, fluid and electrolyte levels
• use sterile surgical packs to minimize the risk of post surgical infections
• monitor your pet while they are under anesthesia to check on their heart rate and oxygen levels

Q: Is my pet going to be in pain?

A: When spaying and neutering we give your pet a sedative as well as pain management medication in order to help minimize any anxiety they feel as well as to reduce feelings of discomfort - we do everything we can to make the procedure as comfortable and painless as possible!

Q: Will my pet's personality change after undergoing surgery?

A: No, and if it does, it's usually for the better! As we mentioned earlier, male animals in particular are likely to develop behavioral problems by not being neutered, so having the procedure done can actually help to keep them happy and chipper!

We know that it can be easy to worry about your pets in surgery, but when you choose Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital, you can rest assured knowing that they are in great hands. Our highly trained veterinary technicians monitor your pet both during and after the procedure, and are committed to making this experience easy for both you and them.

Still have questions? We'd love to be able to answer them and put your mind at ease - just call (908) 464-0023.