Spay & Neuter
Essential for Your Pet’s Health and Our Community
Spaying (females) and neutering (males) are vital procedures that help control pet overpopulation while offering significant health benefits for your furry friend. Every year, millions of animals in shelters face euthanasia due to overcrowding—spaying and neutering can help reduce this tragic outcome.
At Anza Animal Clinic, our experienced veterinarians provide safe, compassionate surgical care tailored to your pet’s needs.
Why Spay/Neuter your pet?
- Preventing unwanted pregnancies & reducing stray overpopulation
- Eliminating the risk of uterine infections (pyometra), which can be life-threatening
- Reducing the risk of mammary tumors, especially if done before the first heat cycle
- Lower risk of prostate problems and testicular cancer
- Reduced aggression, marking, and roaming behavior
The Anza Animal Clinic Advantage
At Anza Animal Clinic, we go beyond the basics to provide a safe, compassionate, and personalized surgical experience.
- Individualized Care: Tailored care for your pet’s unique health and surgical needs.
- Advanced Monitoring: Cutting-edge equipment ensures safety during surgery.
- Timely Care: Quick appointments to prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduce stress.
- Reduced Risk of Side Effects: Pre-surgical evaluations minimize complications.
- Fear Free Certified Team: Our team ensures a calm and stress-free experience.
- AAHA Accredited: Trusted by the top 15% of veterinary hospitals nationwide.
- Laser-Assisted Technique: Smaller incisions for less discomfort and faster healing.
- Pain Relief: Comprehensive pre- and post-operative pain management.
- Local Anesthesia: Extra comfort at the incision site during surgery.
- Therapy Laser Treatment: Promotes quicker healing and reduces inflammation.
- Oral Pain Medication: At-home support for a comfortable recovery.
- Medication: Pain relief medication to support your pet’s recovery at home.
Spaying: What You Need to Know
Spaying is the surgical removal of a female pet’s ovaries and uterus, preventing heat cycles and pregnancy. While routine, it is more invasive than neutering and typically requires 7-10 days to heal. To promote healing, it’s crucial to prevent your pet from licking, scratching, or biting at the incision once it has closed.
What is the earliest my dog can be spayed?
While puppies can be spayed as early as 8 weeks old, this is not typically recommended. The decision should be based on your puppy’s lifestyle, size, breed, and overall health.
When do you recommend a dog be spayed?
The AVMA recommends spaying dogs between 5 and 15 months of age. The optimal timing depends on your dog’s breed, size, lifestyle, and risk of certain diseases.
When should I spay my dog if it’s gone into heat or is older?
Heat cycles typically occur every 7 months. We usually recommend waiting 4-5 months after a heat cycle for the uterus to return to normal size before surgery. However, spaying is possible while a dog is in heat, though it may involve longer surgery time and additional costs.
What is the earliest my cat can be spayed?
Kittens should be at least 2 pounds before being spayed.
When do you recommend a cat to be spayed?
The AVMA recommends spaying cats at around 5 months of age, before they usually experience their first heat cycle.
When should I spay my cat if it’s gone into heat already or is older?
Cats typically go into heat seasonally, starting in the spring and continuing through fall. If your cat is in heat, spay surgery can still be performed.
Is it safe to spay older pets?
Yes, spaying older pets can be safe, but their overall health is the key factor in determining whether they are a good candidate for surgery. As pets age, they may develop health conditions that can increase the risks associated with anesthesia and surgery. A comprehensive pre-surgical exam, including bloodwork, is essential to ensure your pet is fit for the procedure.
Will spaying my dog/cat change her personality?
No. While it may reduce unwanted behaviors, it will not change the pet’s core personality.
Neutering: What You Need to Know
Neutering involves the removal of a male pet’s testicles, eliminating reproductive capabilities and providing important health and behavioral benefits. It requires minimal recovery time—most pets recover within a day or two. To promote healing, ensure your pet avoids licking or irritating the incision site and follow any post-operative care instructions provided.
What is the earliest my dog can be neutered?
While male puppies can be neutered as early as 8 weeks old, we generally do not recommend this. The timing should be based on your puppy’s size, breed, lifestyle, and overall health..
When do you recommend a dog to be neutered?
The AVMA recommends neutering dogs between 5 and 15 months of age. The ideal timing depends on your dog’s breed, size, lifestyle, and risk factors for certain diseases.
At Anza, we prefer neutering male dogs after they mature, usually around 1 year old but will provide an individualized recommendation at your dog’s exam.
What is the earliest my cat can be neutered?
Kittens must be at least two pounds before being neutered.
When do you recommend a cat to be neutered?
The AVMA recommends neutering cats around 5 months of age.
At Anza, we prefer neutering male cats at 8-9 months to allow full physical development.
Is it safe to neuter older pets?
Yes, neutering older pets is generally safe, but their overall health plays a key role in determining suitability for surgery. As pets age, they may develop health issues that can make anesthesia and surgery riskier. A thorough pre-surgical exam, including bloodwork, is important to assess their fitness for the procedure.
What Does Spaying & Neutering Look Like at Anza?
Two-Step Process:
- Pre-Surgical Exam: We start with a comprehensive health assessment and bloodwork to ensure your pet is in optimal condition for surgery.
- Scheduling Surgery: Once cleared for surgery, we’ll work with you to find the best time for the procedure, tailored to your pet’s needs and your schedule.
What’s Next?
Schedule Your Pet’s Pre-Surgical Appointment Today!
Anza Animal Clinic is committed to providing the highest quality care for your pet. Call us today at (805) 495-1059 to book a pre-surgical appointment today and discuss the best time for your pet’s procedure.
Explore Our Complete List of Veterinary Services in Westlake Village, CA
- Pet Pain Management
- Doctor-Directed Visits
- Rattlesnake Vaccination
- Animal Poison Control
- Anesthesia
- Puppy Care
- Preventative/Wellness Care for Cats
- Preventative/Wellness Care for Dogs
- Laser Therapy
- Vaccinations
- Exotic Pets
- Wellness Exams
- Pet Dental Care
- Pet Surgery
- Radiology (X-Ray)
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- Senior Wellness
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