Spay and Neuter Services
Spay and Neuter Services in Westwood & Pompton Lakes, New Jersey
Many animal owners choose to spay or neuter their pets. This crucial aspect of pet care contributes to a longer, healthier life for your companion, minimizes behavioral problems, and helps prevent unwanted litters. At Westwood Regional Veterinary Hospital and Pompton Lakes Animal Hospital, we recommend spaying or neutering small dogs and cats that are at least six months of age. Our veterinarians perform these procedures at spacious luxury facilities located in Westwood and Pompton Lakes, NJ, for pet owners in the Tri-State Area.
What Is a Spay or Neuter?
A spay or neuter is a surgery performed to sterilize an animal. By removing the pet’s reproductive organs, the procedure removes its ability to breed and produce reproductive hormones. Sterilization surgeries come in two types:
- Spay: This procedure is performed on a female animal. Typically, it involves removing both the ovaries and the uterus, though sometimes only the ovaries may be removed.
- Neuter: This procedure is performed on a male animal and involves removing the testicles.
Though both spaying and neutering are major surgical procedures, they are also the most common surgeries performed by veterinarians. Extensive experience and technological development mean that the risks associated with surgery are exceptionally low. Pets recover quickly for a full return to everyday cuddles and play.
The Importance of Spaying and Neutering
Spaying or neutering is one of the most important decisions a pet owner can make. One procedure makes a big difference in preventing the birth of unwanted animals. It also sets up your pet for a longer, healthier life with fewer frustrations. These are just some of the ways you and your animal can benefit from a spay or neuter:
Prevent Unwanted Behaviors
Sex hormones drive your pet’s breeding instinct, which is the main motivator for many unwanted behaviors that pet owners struggle with. Spaying or neutering removes the organs that produce these hormones. This prevents frustrating, destructive, or dangerous behaviors such as mounting or humping, loud vocalizations, roaming, urine marking, and aggression.
Avoid Health Problems
Spaying and neutering your pets is the best way to protect them against potentially life-threatening diseases. By neutering male dogs and cats, you avoid testicular cancer and reduce the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate glands). Spaying females can prevent uterine infection and protect against breast cancer and other reproductive tract tumors. You also prevent unexpected pregnancies, which are physically taxing and come with the risk of complications.
Manage Population
By removing your pet’s ability to breed, you also prevent unplanned litters. While puppies and kittens are cute, new litters are stressful for animals and expensive to raise. It may also be difficult to find them homes – especially when shelters are already overflowing with animals who don’t have homes. Spaying or neutering reduces the toll on your pet, your family, and your local shelters.
What to Expect from Spay and Neuter Surgery
The best time to spay or neuter a pet is early in life. Most small dogs and cats are sterilized around six months old to maximize health and behavioral impact. Larger dogs may go later. Adult animals may also be spayed or neutered if they have not been already. Whatever the age of your pet, your veterinarian will recommend a personalized surgery plan.
Before the surgery, your veterinarian will perform a full physical examination to make sure your pet is healthy. General anesthesia is used to keep your pet safe and asleep during the procedure, and medications will be administered afterward to minimize pain. An experienced veterinary technician stays with animals overnight, and you can even make a phone call to check in on pets during their hospital stay.
Afterward, you’ll be asked to keep them calm for a few days until the incision is healed. A return visit will then be scheduled to remove the staples or stitches if needed.
Spay or Neuter Your Pet in the NJ Tri-State Area
When you choose us for your pet’s spay or neuter procedure, your pet receives high-quality treatment using the latest tools. Spaying and neutering are essential parts of pet ownership. Ensure your pet the best care by choosing Westwood Regional Veterinary Hospital and Pompton Lakes Animal Hospital. We offer services at offices in Westwood and Pompton Lakes, NJ, serving the Tri-State Area. Contact us today to learn more or make an appointment.
Service Available At:
Westwood
- 346 Kinderkamack Rd.
Westwood, NJ 07675 - 201-885-5040
- Monday to Sunday: 9 AM to 10 PM