Spay and Neuter for Dogs and Cats in Manassas, VA
Setting the stage for a healthy life for your pet involves many factors, and spay/neuter is one of them. Spay and neuter surgeries are services we offer on a routine basis to our cat and dog patients to prevent unwanted litters and harmful reproductive issues such as cancer. While spay and neuter procedures are widely accepted as the most sensible and humane way to reduce animal shelter overcrowding and euthanasia, we cannot stress their importance enough. At Prince William Animal Hospital in Manassas, spaying and neutering doesn’t just save lives, it makes lives better — for pets and people.
Contact us today to discuss your pet’s health needs
and to schedule their spay or neuter surgery.
When Should My Pet Be Spayed or Neutered?
Many cats can be spayed or neutered at about 4 months old, depending on their size and health. For dogs, we recommend spaying and neutering around 6 months for small to medium-sized breeds. Larger breeds may need to wait until they are 9-12 months old, or possibly even a little older. This is because large and extra-large breeds need more time to grow, and their sex hormones play a big role in their growth rate. Spaying/neutering them too soon can interfere with their growth and result in joint problems.
The Various Benefits of Spay and Neuter Surgery
Male and female dogs and cats both benefit in many ways when they are spayed/neutered.
Spaying (Females)
- Lessens the risk of mammary gland tumors
- Prevents ovarian and uterine cancers
- Prevents pyometra, a life-threatening infection of the uterus
- Stops the heat cycle, which can be messy to deal with
- Reduces or prevents behaviors such as vocalizing and roaming (which often occur during heat)
Neutering (Males)
- Can reduce or prevent aggression fueled by proximity to females in heat
- Can reduce or prevent roaming, vocalizing, mounting, and urine marking/spraying
- Prevents testicular cancer
- Reduces the risk of mammary gland tumors and prostate problems
How Much Does it Cost to Spay/Neuter My Pet?
The cost of spaying or neutering your dog or cat depends on several things, including their weight, which procedure (spay or neuter) they’re having, and any underlying conditions they have. Also factoring into the overall cost is anesthesia, IV fluids, pain relief, monitoring, and any additional measures needed to increase your pet’s safety and comfort.
It is also important to realize that the cost of your pet’s spay/neuter will be far less than the cost of raising a litter or treating a condition such as cancer, which might develop later.
For more information, give us a call at (703) 361-5223 and we’ll be happy to give you a cost estimate for your pet’s spay or neuter procedure.