Pet Spay and Neuter Services In Berrien County, MI

Spay and neuter surgeries are important to the health and well-being of pets in our community. These routine procedures help to reduce the number of stray animals and ease the burden on animal shelters, so more pets can find loving homes. Furthermore, dogs and cats can potentially avoid reproductive diseases and live longer as a result. At Village Vet, we are happy to sit down with you and discuss your pet’s options regarding spay and neuter surgery. There is no one-size-fits-all timeline for spaying and neutering; your pet’s surgery will take place at a time that best suits their individual needs.

Get in touch with us to learn more about spaying and neutering and what to expect during your pet’s post-op recovery.

Stevensville - (269) 235-9380
St. Joseph - (269) 983-2929

How Does My Pet’s Health Benefit from Spaying and Neutering?

Your pet’s spay or neuter surgery can have long-term benefits for their health by reducing or even preventing the development of certain diseases, such as:

  • Mammary gland tumors (females)
  • Ovarian and uterine tumors (females)
  • Pyometra/infection of the uterus (females)
  • Prostate cancer (males)
  • Testicular cancer (males)

Behavioral Benefits

Dogs and cats may also show a marked decrease in some hormone-driven behaviors, such as:

  • Spraying
  • Vocalizing
  • Mounting
  • Escaping/roaming in search of a mate
  • Aggressiveness
Happy Black White Dog

When Should Pets Be Spayed and Neutered?

German Shepherd With Floppy Ears

The right time to spay and neuter dogs and cats depends on a couple of factors. First, your pet needs to be healthy before undergoing surgery, with minimal risk for anesthesia complications. Next, we need to make sure they are the right weight/size. If they are too small, this could lead to greater anesthesia risks. Additionally, large-breed dogs need more time to finish growing before they can be spayed or neutered. We typically recommend waiting until a large-breed dog is 12-18 months old before doing their surgery. This ensures healthy joint development, which relies on the sex hormones. Interrupting this growth with a premature spay/neuter surgery can result in joint problems.

Cats and small and medium-sized dogs are less at risk for joint development issues, and can usually be spayed and neutered earlier in life.

Contact us if you have questions about when to spay or neuter your pet! We’ll be happy to give you the information you need so you can make the best health decisions for your companion.