Spay and neuter … for the health of your pet, the happiness of your household, and the good of society

The veterinarians and team at Bluestar Pet Hospital & Grooming in Jacksonville and St. Johns, Florida, take great pride in being responsible community stewards, as well as in being exceptional partners in the health of our clients’ dogs and cats. One of the best things that you can do for your pet, your household, and, yes, our community is to have your female dogs or cats undergo a spay procedure (ovariohysterectomy) and to have your male dogs or cats undergo a neuter process (orchiectomy). 

We’ve highlighted a few of the reasons that your pets should have these commonplace and safe procedures as soon as they possibly can. Our veterinarians advise on the best timing to do so by accounting for factors such as each pet’s species (cat or dog), breed, size, sex, age, and health status. 

For the long, healthy life of your furry friend 

Unaltered dogs and cats are at increased risk of developing deadly medical conditions. The American Animal Hospital Association reports that spaying female dogs or cats “drastically slash” their risk of developing mammary cancers of the breast tissue. This type of cancer is reportedly 50% and 90% lethal among female canines and felines, respectively. Researchers have noted that the more heat cycles female dogs or cats go through before spaying, the more likely they are to be diagnosed with mammary cancer. 

For unaltered male dogs and cats, major health threats are presented by the increased risk of developing prostate disease or testicular cancers. All in all, neutering and spaying play a protective role in preventing those conditions that can dramatically alter the quality of your pet’s life or substantially shorten their lifespans. 

For the healthiest relationships between humans and pets 

Unneutered and non-spayed dogs and cats tend to “act out” in many different ways. The urge to mate may be so great that your pet will go to extreme lengths to reproduce, which may include frequent ingenious escapes. Every time your pet escapes, they are at increased risk of being hurt by other animals or people or getting hit by vehicles. Additionally, intact male and female pets can be aggressive toward other household pets and people. Other unpleasant behaviors that can affect the happiness of your household include: 

• Frequent or very loud vocalizations, such as yowling
• Inappropriate elimination outside of litter boxes or on furniture 
• Persistent and extreme affection (associated with females “in heat”)
• Embarrassing “mounting” of people and objects

Spaying and neutering your pets avoid these unhealthy behaviors. Also, you can enjoy stronger relationships with your pet; for instance, neutered male cats and dogs tend to be more friendly and “people-oriented” than intact male pets, who may display aggressive, aloof, or wandering tendencies. Plus, your household is less likely to go through the trauma of a pet developing preventable cancer, uterine infection, or prostate disease. Preventive services have the additional benefit of being far more cost-effective than treatments designed to resolve existing conditions and restore a pet’s health and wellbeing. 

For the good of society 

The heartbreaking reality is that there are more pets than homes. By preventing your pet from reproducing, you are helping to control the pet population. You are doing your part to minimize the number of pets euthanized each year and the number of strays in our community. You also set an excellent example for other pet owners, including the “next-generation” of pet owners – your children! We encourage you to contact us today to schedule your pet’s appointment at Bluestar Pet Hospital & Grooming. Call to book a visit at our Jacksonville location. If our St. Johns office is more convenient for you, please call (904) 720-4275.

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