Spay and Neuter

A Long and Healthy Life

Getting your pet “fixed” is required in Los Angeles County (with some exceptions), and can extend the life of your pet. Millions of pets are put down each year as a result of the pet overpopulation problem, so pet owners are now required to spay or neuter their pets.

Although it takes away your pet’s ability to reproduce, spaying and neutering has a positive effect on your pet’s behavior and overall health.

Spay and Neuter Health Benefits

Spaying or neutering your pet can help them lead a long, healthy life. Benefits of the procedure are widespread and can positively impact your pet, your home environment, and society. They can include:

• Easier training. Your pet won’t experience hormonal urges, making it easier for them to stay focused and can be more easily trained.
• Less risk of losing your pet. Animals looking for a mate tend to wander the neighborhood, increasing the chances of getting lost of injured.
• Reduction in unwanted behavior like mounting other animals or people, marking their territory, and unwanted (or even dangerous) aggressive behavior.
• Lowered risk of certain cancers, uterine infections, and other medical conditions.
• No risk of pregnancy. You’ll be doing your part to reduce the pet overpopulation problem. Many dogs naturally produce litters of four or more puppies. The law requires that you spay or neuter your dog.

The Surgical Procedure – What to Expect

Our Covina veterinarian has performed countless spaying and neutering procedures. These procedures are extremely common, and the surgery involves very little risk.

When a female dog is spayed, the reproductive organs are removed through a small incision in the abdomen. Prior to the procedure, your dog will be put under general anesthesia. Then the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus are removed. The incision is closed, and your pet is typically able to return home with you the same day. Most female dogs can be spayed as early as eight weeks of age.

When a male pet is neutered, they will be placed under general anesthesia and their reproductive organs (testicles) will be removed to stop the ability to reproduce. As with spaying procedures, your pet can usually go home the same day and your puppy should be at least eight weeks old before neutering.

After Your Pet’s Procedure

While spaying and neutering are two of the most common procedures, we help you monitor your dog’s health during healing. The recovery time is usually short, and your pet will be feeling normal within five to seven days. Our Covina veterinarian will alert you of signs to be alert to during the healing process.

At Affordable Animal Hospital in Covina, spaying or neutering will be integrated into your puppy or kitten wellness plan, and you will be guided through the treatment plan, including all needed vaccinations or boosters.

Once your pet has healed, you and your pet are no longer at risk of certain behavioral problems associated with hormones and urges. You’ll see a reduction in hormone-related behavior issues and, though you can’t see it, your pet will be healthier because of reduced risk of certain cancers and other conditions.

Spay & Neuter Services in West Covina

Los Angeles County has strict laws about spaying and neutering. Most dogs must be sterilized before reaching four months old. Surgical procedures can be costly, which is why Affordable Animal Hospital Covina offers spay and neuter services.

Our experienced veterinarian will make your pets healthcare easy to understand by guiding you through each step of the process. We make caring for your pet easy and accessible, and our caring staff provide safe, caring treatment for every puppy or adult dog.