Why We Recommend Spaying and Neutering for Dogs and Cats in White Bear Lake

dog neuter and spay in white bear lake, mn

When we recommend spaying and neutering for cats and dogs, we do so with their best interests at heart. Your pet’s health and longevity are things to be nurtured and cherished, and we’re glad to work with owners in keeping their loved ones happy and thriving. Our veterinarians perform dog and cat spay and neuter surgeries in White Bear Lake with the comfort of each patient in mind, and utilize state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure their safety.

Having pets spayed and neutered can go a long way towards reducing the overpopulation of stray animals, and getting homeless dogs and cats adopted into permanent, loving homes. We would be more than happy to discuss spaying and neutering as a treatment option for your pet, and when it would be best for them to undergo their procedure.

Benefits of Dog and Cat Spay
and Neuter Surgeries

Spaying and neutering your dogs and cats is not only an effective safeguard against unwanted pregnancies; it can also lengthen their life by preventing certain diseases from developing in the future. Common benefits of spay and neuter surgeries include:

Kittens laying together after spay and neuter surgery

Females

  • No unwanted pregnancies
  • Will not go into heat
  • Less likely to roam to find a breeding partner
  • Unlikely to develop pyometra, a serious uterine infection
  • Unlikely to develop cancerous mammary or ovarian tumors

Males

  • Reduced aggression
  • Less likely to mark or spray their territory (especially the house)
  • Less likely to roam when females in the neighborhood are in heat
  • Unlikely to develop an enlarged prostate
  • Unlikely to develop testicular tumors
  • Less likely to engage in disruptive behaviors

The Difference Betwenn Ovariectomy and Spay

A majority of our spay surgeries are performed as ovariectomies, which involves removing the ovaries only. This requires making a smaller incision, resulting in less trauma to the patient, a shorter procedure and less anesthesia, and faster healing. Animals that undergo an ovariectomy are at no greater risk of developing cancerous tumors than their counterparts that undergo the traditional spay surgery in which both the ovaries and uterus are removed.

Two puppies and kittens playing together after spay and neuter surgery

When to Spay or Neuter Your Dog or Cat

We often recommend spaying and neutering medium to large-breed dogs between the ages of six and nine months. However, understand that performing these surgeries too soon can result in developmental issues of the ligaments and bones. Sex hormones can actually contribute to bone and ligament growth in young animals, and we prefer to let this process run its course before going forward.

Safety is Our Priority

Spays and neuters are not complex surgeries, but our team treats patient safety very seriously. We approach every procedure with the goal of minimizing health risks and ensuring comfort with proactive pain management and progressive anesthesia protocols. If you have questions and concerns about having your dog or cat spayed or neutered, please call us at (651) 426-2246.