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.

Fast Facts about Spaying & Neutering

There's so much misinformation out there when it comes to spaying and neutering, Before you make a decision for your pet, it's important to get the facts straight. Read on for fast facts about spaying and neutering from the ASPCA, the American Humane Association and the Humane Society of the United States.

Medical benefits

• Spaying and neutering helps control our country's pet homelessness crisis
• Spaying your female pet will help her live a longer, healthier life
• Spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast tumors, which are cancerous in approximately 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats
• Female pets live healthier lives if they never sexually mature
• Neutering your male pet helps prevent certain prostate issues as well as testicular cancer

Behavioral benefits

• Spayed female pets will not go into heat
• For cats, this will eliminate yowling and frequent indoor urination
• Neutered dogs are less likely to run away from home
• Neutered dogs and cats tend to behave better, including decreased aggression

If you're interested in spaying or neutering your pet, contact Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital today. We'll make sure your furry friend is safe and comfortable throughout the procedure! Connect with us by calling 908-464-0023. Don't forget to find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube!

Neutering Your Dog: What You Need to Know

Is it time to neuter your dog? Here at Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital, we recommend you spay or neuter your pet at 6 months of age. Before you pick up the phone and make an appointment, here's what you need to know about neutering your puppy:

• Neutering is a common surgery that is totally safe. We perform blood work to make sure your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia and administer IV fluids throughout the surgery to help sustain body temperature, fluid and electrolyte levels. We also provide sedative and pain management medications as needed. Find out more about our spay and neuter process at our website.
  
• Your pet will be happier and healthier. Neutering your dog will eliminate the risk of testicular cancer and help reduce his risk for prostate cancer. Many pet parents also report improvement in roaming, marking and aggression.
  
• Neutering does not cause weight gain. This is a common myth that needs to be squashed! Dogs, like humans, will gain weight if they're given too much food or are not active enough. To prevent weight gain, be sure to walk your pooch often and provide healthy meals.
  
• Having your pup neutered will help control overpopulation. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reports that approximately 3.9 million dogs enter U.S. animal shelters every year. Neuter your dog to prevent more homeless puppies!

To make an appointment or speak with one of our veterinarians about neutering your dog, give us a call today at 908-464-0023. Don't forget to find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube!