Cat and Dog Spaying and Neutering in Voorhees
Reproductive Surgery for Pets in Voorhees
Both spaying and neutering are surgical procedures used to sterilize dogs, cats and other animals. These surgeries, which are performed while the pet is under general anesthesia, are considered safe and are two of the most common surgeries performed at veterinary clinics across the United States.
At Voorhees Veterinary Center, we understand how important it is to have your pet spayed or neutered. These routine procedures stop unwanted litters from being born, leading to less unwanted dogs and cats in the community. Not only that, these surgeries help pets live longer, healthier lives.
By having your companion spayed or neutered, you are significantly reducing their risk of developing certain types of infections and cancers. Additionally, spaying and neutering can help reduce behavioral problems such as aggression and roaming that can lead to your pet getting injured.
We have strict surgical protocols in place to ensure safe and successful surgeries. These include pre-operative diagnostic testing and pain management and monitoring during and after the procedure. We do everything we can to ensure your dog or cat is a safe, and comfortable as possible every step along the way.
Establishing Low-cost Spay & Neuter Programs in New Jersey
Dr. Rosenberg, our founder, had a long-time association with the Humane Society of The United States, a relationship that began with his father. This relationship was instrumental in establishing the current New Jersey low-cost spay and neuter program.
What Is Spaying?
Spaying is the surgical procedure performed on female animals. Technically known as an ovariohysterectomy, spaying removes a female's reproductive organs.
What Is Neutering?
Neutering, or orchiectomy, involves the removal of the testicles from male pets and is considered a simpler surgery than a spay.
The Benefits of Spay & Neuter Procedures
Not only do spay and neuters help keep the puppy and kitten population down, and prevent unwanted cats or dogs from ending up on the street, they have a number of other benefits too.
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Benefits for Cats
For many people, the decision on whether or not to spay their cat can be a difficult one. To help you make an informed decision here are 6 key benefits of spaying or neutering your cat:
- It curbs undesirable behaviors, such as spraying to mark territory.
- Neutered cats are less likely to roam and stray from home.
- Your cat may become more affectionate.
- It reduces the risk of your cat developing certain diseases.
- It decreases the risk of uterine infection in female cats.
- It may decrease the risk of mammary (breast) cancer.
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Benefits for Dogs
Deciding whether you should get your canine companion fixed can be a challenging and emotional process. Many people are unaware that there are significant health and behavioral benefits associated with these common veterinary surgeries. Five key benefits of spaying or neutering your dog are:
- It reduces the risk of prostate and other cancers.
- It reduces marking and spraying issues.
- It stabilizes the mood of the dog.
- It reduces the mating urge.
- It can reduce sexualized behaviors.
Spaying & Neutering FAQs
Are you considering spaying or neutering your four-legged friend but still have some unanswered questions? Read through the answers to our most frequently asked questions about spaying and neutering at Voorhees Veterinary Center to learn more about what you can expect.
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What should I know about the recovery process for my pet?
Spaying
After spay surgery, some clinics may recommend keeping your cat or dog overnight, while others allow pets to return home on the same day. Most veterinarians recommend 7-10 days of restricted activity after spaying has been performed.
Neutering
If there are no complications or other health issues, your dog or cat can typically return home on the same day of the procedure, with activity restricted for a few days while the incision heals.
Both Surgeries
Following either of these surgeries, we may send your pet home with a protective collar to keep them from licking the incision.
Your veterinarian may ask you to book a follow-up visit in order for them to check on how well your pet has healed and to remove the stitches.
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When should I have my pet spayed? What age?
The best time to have your four-legged friend spayed or neutered depends upon a number of factors including the species, breed and size of your pet. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best age to spay or neuter their cat or dog. Some research indicates there may be long-term health benefits to spaying or neutering dogs after they have passed through puberty.
Many veterinary professionals recommend that female animals be spayed before their first heat, which can occur as early as 5 months of age. However, there is increasing evidence that this may be too young as the animals have not been allowed to fully develop and grow.
Your veterinarian will be happy to discuss the pros and cons of having your pet spayed or neutered young and recommend the best age to get your furry friend fixed.
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Why should I get my cat spayed or neutered?
There are a number of good reasons to have your feline family member spayed or neutered, including:
Population Control
According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), it is estimated that around 3.2 million cats enter US animal shelters every year. This staggering number of homeless cats puts an enormous strain on animal shelter staff who work tirelessly to try and find forever homes for these beautiful animals.
The absolute best way for you to help reduce the number of unwanted cats in Voorhees area shelters is by spaying or neutering your feline friend.
Protect Wildlife
It is unimaginable for many of us, but it is estimated that cats in the US kill between 1.4 billion and 3.7 billion birds every year! By helping to reduce the number of feral cats living in the wild, you help to save the lives of countless birds and other wildlife.
Cat Neutering Benefits
Neutering your male cat can help to curb many undesirable cat behaviors such as spraying indoors and around your house to mark territory, roaming, howling, and fighting with other undoctored male cats. Reducing your cat's temptation to fight may also reduce their risk of injury, and of contracting Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and Feline leukemia virus (FeLV).
Cat Spaying Benefits
Spaying your female cat before they have their first heat cycle can help to reduce your feline friend's risk of developing pyometra (infection of the womb) and mammary tumors. It's also important to note that female cats carrying infectious diseases can pass serious conditions on to their kittens, who may then go on to spread the disease even further. The pregnancy and the birth process can be risky for young cats, and costly to their owners.
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Why should I get my dog spayed or neutered?
There are a variety of benefits to having your dog spayed or neutered, including:
Population Control
According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), approximately 3.3 million dogs enter shelters every year across the USA.
Spaying or neutering your dog is the best way for you to help reduce the overall number of unplanned puppies each year while improving your pet's behavior and reducing their risk of some serious health conditions.
Dog Spaying Benefits
Getting your female dog spayed can help to prevent serious health problems such as pyometra, (a potentially life-threatening uterine infection), and mammary cancer.
Dog Neutering Benefits
Male dog neutering helps to prevent your pet from developing testicular cancer and can also help to curb unwanted behaviors such as dog aggression, straying and humping.
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Will my pet feel anything during the procedure?
No. Your pet's comfort and safety are always our primary focus. Your pet will be administered general anesthesia prior to surgery, and will not feel anything during the procedure.
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Will my pet gain weight after the procedure?
Your puppy or kitten will continue to grow to their full adult weight after the spay or neuter procedure, and this naturally includes some weight gain.
However, it's important to note that weight gain is not a result of being spayed or neutered.