Spay and Neuter Surgery

Planning on adding a new kitten or puppy to your household? Among the many decisions you’ll need to make concerning your furry friend’s care is whether or not to spay or neuter your pet. Spay and neuter surgery are procedures used to sterilize pets to avoid unwanted pregnancies. At Bluegrass Animal Hospital, we offer safe spay and neuter procedures to pet owners in Knoxville, TN, and neighboring communities. Here’s what you should know about “fixing” your pet. 

What It Means to Spay or Neuter Your Pet

Spaying, the surgical procedure used to sterilize a female pet, involves the removal of your pet’s uterus and ovaries to keep her from getting pregnant. Neutering is the removal of a male animal’s testicles to keep him from impregnating a female. Your Knoxville, TN, veterinarian can perform these procedures safely and effectively at our animal clinic.

If you have no plans to breed your cat or dog and don’t want the responsibility of caring for baby pets, we recommend fixing your pet to avoid unexpected, unwanted pregnancies. Healthy cats can be fixed at the age of 8 weeks old. Dogs are typically fixed around 6 months old. Your Knoxville vet can help you determine the best time for having this procedure done.  

Benefits of Fixing Your Pet

Caring for an adult pet is time-consuming enough without having to care for its babies. By spaying or neutering your pet, you don’t have to worry about surprise pregnancies. Spay and neuter surgery also offers the following benefits for you, your community and your pet.

Better Health

Fixed pets are less likely to develop life-threatening tumors, infections and cancers connected to the reproductive process. As a result, there’s a greater chance your cat or dog will live a healthier life.  

Better Behavior

Neutering your male pet reduces the level of testosterone in its system, which can help stem aggressive behavior. Your dog will have less desire to roam in search of a mate, reducing its risk of getting hurt in an accident or fighting with other dogs. Spaying your feline will keep her from going into heat and yowling all night or spraying urine inside your home.

Reduces Animal Population in Your Community

Pet homelessness is a problem in many areas due to pets being abandoned by their owners. In addition, many animal shelters suffer from overcrowding due to unwanted pets and the influx of baby pets. By having your pet fixed, you can do your part to eradicate these problems where you live.   

See Your Knoxville, TN, Veterinarian for Spaying or Neutering Your Pet

To schedule an appointment for spay or neuter surgery for your new kitten or puppy, contact Bluegrass Animal Hospital in Knoxville, TN, at 865-694-8387.