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Spay and Neuter FAQs

Welcoming a new puppy or kitten into your life can be a wonderful feeling and provide many years of companionship. Chances are, the topic of getting your pet spayed or neutered has come up and we recommend you discuss it with a veterinarian on our team. Our veterinary care team at Fort Mill Animal Hospital in Fort Mill, SC, offers spay and neuter services and can help answer any questions about the procedure. 

Spay and Neuter FAQs

What is the difference between spay and neuter?

The most significant difference between spaying and neutering is that one is conducted on female pets and the other on males. Spaying a pet is an ovariohysterectomy, a surgical procedure performed to sterilize female dogs and cats. Neutering, or castration, is the surgical removal of the testes to fix male dogs and cats. 

Why fix pets? 

There are many reasons you should fix your pets, including preventing unwanted kittens or puppies. Other reasons include preventing unwanted canine or feline visitors from coming to see your female pet when she is in heat and preventing males from wandering when a female is in heat nearby. 

Spaying and neutering pets also help reduce certain health risks, including testicular cancer in males and mammary tumors in females. 

At what age should I fix my pets? 

Spaying and neutering can be done on puppies as young as a few months old; however, an animal doctor on our team can determine the best age for this procedure. There are benefits to spaying and neutering procedures before the pet hits puberty. Most vets recommend spaying females before their first heat, but each pet may have their own circumstances. Ask a veterinarian on our team about when they think the best time for your pet to get spayed or neutered. 

What is the recovery time for spaying or neutering a pet? 

There might be some post-surgery discomfort, and a vet on our team can provide pain medication to help keep your pet comfortable until they heal.

Visit Us for More Information

If you need to get your pet spayed or neutered, call a veterinarian on our team to schedule an appointment to learn more about the procedure. Our veterinary care team at Fort Mill Animal Hospital in Fort Mill, SC, can help answer any questions you may have and provide treatment for your pets. So call our office at (803) 547-2014 to schedule an appointment with a vet on our team. 

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