How Spaying and Neutering Can Prevent Certain Types of Cancer

How Spaying and Neutering from a Veterinarian Near You in Kitchener, ON, Can Help Prevent Certain Types of Cancer

Pet owners hear a lot about spaying and neutering, and while preventing unwanted pregnancy is usually the main focus, there’s another reason to consider the surgery—cancer prevention. At Chicopee Hills Animal Hospital, your veterinarian in Kitchener, ON, we want to help keep your pet happy and healthy. If you’re wondering whether the procedure is for your pet, read on down below:

The Risk

In female pets, mammary gland tumors (basically breast cancer for animals) are a common threat. Unspayed females have a much higher chance of developing these tumors—nearly 1 in 4 dogs, in fact. For dogs, mammary tumors are typically benign, while for cats, they are typically malignant. Spaying before the first heat can lower that risk significantly.

For male pets, testicular cancer is preventable with neuter. If the organs are removed through neutering, there’s no chance for that cancer to develop.

Other Related Conditions

Uterine and ovarian cancers in female animals are also a risk. Spaying removes the effected organs completely, which takes those cancers off the table. For male dogs, their prostate could enlarge later in life, and while neutering doesn’t fully erase the risk, it does reduce it by quite a bit.

The Timing Matters

The timing of spay and neuter is up for debate. For female pets, most vets recommend having it performed before the first heat for cats and small breed dogs, this tends to be around six months of age. Large breed female dogs sometimes benefit from going through 1 heat cycle, which happens between 8-10 months of age. Both large breed male and female dogs may benefit waiting until skeletal maturity, but we can help you make the decision.

Get Pet Surgery, Animal Hospital Services, Animal Clinic Services, and Pet Neuter from a Vet Near You / Veterinarian Near You

Spaying and neutering are more than just ways to avoid a surprise litter. They’re tools that protect your pet’s health from the inside out. At Chicopee Hills Animal Hospital, your veterinarian in Kitchener, ON, we believe in keeping animals healthy before problems start. If you have questions or want to schedule a procedure, we are here to help. Call us at (519) 748-6638 for pet surgery, animal hospital services, animal clinic services, and pet neuter from a vet near you / veterinarian near you.