Are you considering having your pet sterilized (spayed/neutered)?   You should, as it may be one of the most important and beneficial things you can do for your pet's health - here are some reasons why!

Why to spay your female cat:   Spaying (surgical removal of the female reproductive tract) is usually performed at 6 months of age, and will prevent your cat from getting pregnant, stop her from coming into season, and prevent certain types of cancer later in life.  

Why to neuter your male cat:   Neutering (surgical removal of both testicles) is usually performed at 6 months of age, and will prevent unwanted pregnancies in female cats and reduce the incidence of certain objectionable behaviors such as roaming, fighting, and urine marking.

Why to spay your female dog:   Spaying (surgical removal of the female reproductive tract) is usually performed at 5 months of age and is one of the most important preventive health measures that can be provided for a female dog of any age!   A dog spayed before her first heat will have a near zero chance of developing mammary (breast) cancer. After the first heat the incidence climbs to 7% and after the second heat the risk is 25%!   By removing the ovaries and the uterus we are also preventing cancer from affecting these tissues as well.   Spaying prevents dogs from coming into heat and also prevents them from getting pregnant.   In addition, a potentially life threatening infection of the uterus which commonly affects older unspayed female dogs can easily be prevented with this surgery.

Why to neuter your male dog:   Neutering (surgical removal of both testicles) is usually performed at 6 months of age and will prevent unwanted pregnancies in female dogs.   It will prevent your dog from developing certain types of hernias and tumors later in life, as well as decrease the incidence of prostate problems.   Roaming, aggressive behavior towards other male dogs, urine marking and inappropriate mounting will also be reduced.

The American Veterinary Clinic can provide the above services for your pets. If you have any questions please contact us to make an appointment with the doctor.