spay and neuter in st paul mn

Spay & Neuter

Spay and Neuter in St. Paul, MN

Every year thousands of stray and unwanted animals are euthanized in shelters across the United States. Many of these deaths are the avoidable result of owners failing to spay and neuter their pets. Even if you keep a close watch on your pet, accidents happen, and unexpected offspring means more animals that won’t be given the chance at full, happy lives.

Pet spaying and neutering can help end this cycle, and both procedures can have health benefits for pets.


Pet Spaying in St. Paul

Spaying is a common surgical procedure performed on female cats and dogs. The process is called an ovariohysterectomy and involves removing the patient’s uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, rendering the animal incapable of reproduction. Life Care Animal Hospital veterinarians recommend spaying most pets at around 6 months of age, depending on breed. Individual timing recommendations will be made at your exam.

Benefits:

  • Prevents unwanted pregnancies
  • Eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine tumors
  • Reduces the risk of mammary tumors
  • Removes the possibility of uterine infections

What to expect after surgery

Spaying is a major surgery requiring 7-10 days of recovery time. Recovery will include oral pain medication, rest, and possibly an Elizabethan collar to prevent licking. Lethargy may be seen for a day or so following the procedure. A small, green tattoo is applied post-surgery that signifies that the animal is spayed should she ever get lost or taken to a shelter. It’s extremely important that you monitor your pet to prevent the animal from licking or biting the incision to reduce the risk of infection.


Pet Neutering in St. Paul

Neutering is performed on male cats and dogs and castrates the animal, removing their testicles and making them unable to impregnate females. Neutering is often advised when your pet is around 6 months old but timing may vary and individual recommendations will be made at your exam.

Benefits

  • May aid in reducing aggressive behavior and decreasing dominant tendencies
  • Reduces roaming and spraying (territory marking)
  • Eliminates the risk of testicular and prostate tumors
  • Prevents unwanted pregnancies

What to expect after surgery

Although less invasive than spaying, neutering is still a major medical procedure that requires some recovery time. Recovery includes oral pain medication, rest and possibly an Elizabethan collar to prevent licking. Lethargy may be seen for a day or so following the procedure. It’s extremely important that you monitor your pet to prevent the animal from licking or biting the incision to reduce the risk of infection.

Contact Us About Our Pet SPaying & Neutering Services

To learn more about spaying and neutering, or to schedule an appointment, contact us at (651) 774-6063