You'll often hear about the importance of spaying and neutering your pets. At Confederate Ridge Animal Hospital in Fredericksburg, VA, we believe that spaying and neutering, with very few exceptions, is a vital part of preventative care for your pet. Read on to learn more about the many benefits of having your pet fixed.

Benefits of Spaying and Neutering

Having these procedures done at a young age prevents testicular cancer in male dogs and cats. For females, there could be a decreased risk of mammary tumors (breast cancer) if done before sexual maturity for both a dog and a cat. Spaying and neutering also cause animals to exhibit less aggression and territorial behavior. The moods of spayed and neutered pets will be more predictable as they age. An unfixed pet could impregnate someone else's. By fixing your pet, eliminate all chances of that happening. You won't inadvertently become a new pet-grandparent or contribute to the homeless pet population.

When to Spay or Neuter

The best time to neuter or spay your pet is six months old for smaller breeds, but it can be done later in adult life if necessary. Larger dog breeds will need to wait until they are older. Our veterinarian can help you decide when. You will want to spay a female pet before she goes into heat for the first time. The more heat cycles a female pet goes through, the higher her chances are of developing breast cancer are. If you have an older pet that has never been fixed, you'll still want these procedures done, as the benefits outweigh the negatives.

Schedule an Appointment at Our Animal Hospital for Preventative Care in Fredericksburg

Our animal hospital in Fredericksburg, VA, is no stranger to these routine procedures. Call Confederate Ridge Animal Hospital today at (540) 373-6100 for more information on spaying and neutering or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian.