Spaying
Pet Spaying in Surprise, AZ
Spaying is a vital surgical procedure that prevents female dogs and cats from reproducing, but its benefits extend far beyond population control. At Animal Medical Center of Surprise, we prioritize your pet's long-term health by offering safe, professional spaying services that protect against life-threatening diseases and improve their quality of life.
Medical & Behavioral Benefits of Spaying
Choosing to spay your pet offers significant advantages for their physical health and your home environment.
Medical Advantages
- Eliminates Pyometra Risk: Spaying removes the risk of Pyometra, a severe and potentially fatal uterine infection that requires emergency surgery.¹
- Prevents Reproductive Cancers: Significantly reduces the risk of mammary (breast) tumors and eliminates the risk of uterine and ovarian cancers.
- Increased Longevity: On average, spayed pets live longer, healthier lives by avoiding these preventable reproductive illnesses.
Behavioral & Lifestyle Benefits
- No Heat Cycles: You won't have to manage the mess, pacing, and "crying" associated with a female pet in heat.
- Reduced Roaming: Spayed pets are less likely to attempt to escape your yard to find a mate, reducing the risk of traffic accidents or injuries.
- Stable Personality: Contrary to popular myths, spaying does not fundamentally change your pet's personality; instead, it stabilizes their mood by removing hormonal fluctuations.²
Optimal Timing for Surgery
The "best" age to spay can vary significantly based on your pet's species, breed, and size:
- Cats: Usually recommended between 4 and 5 months of age, before their first heat cycle.
- Small to Medium Dogs: Typically spayed around 6 months of age.
- Large & Giant Breed Dogs: We may recommend waiting until 12 to 18 months to allow for full bone and joint development.³
Our veterinarians will discuss your pet's specific breed and lifestyle to determine the safest time for their procedure.
Our Surgical & Safety Protocols
We treat every spay with the same level of care as a major human surgery. At our Surprise clinic, your pet's safety is ensured through:
- Pre-Anesthetic Blood Work: To confirm your pet’s internal organs are healthy enough for anesthesia.
- Advanced Vital Sign Monitoring: We meticulously track heart rate, oxygen levels ($SpO_2$), and blood pressure throughout the surgery.
- Post-Operative Pain Management: We use a multi-modal approach to ensure your pet wakes up comfortable and remains pain-free during their recovery at home.
Post-Surgical Recovery Tips
Most pets are back to their normal selves within 10–14 days. To ensure a smooth recovery:
- Restrict Activity: No running, jumping, or rough play for 10 days.
- Monitor the Incision: Check the site daily for redness, discharge, or swelling.
- Use an E-Collar: Prevent your pet from licking the incision, which can cause infection or reopen the wound.
Schedule a Spay Consultation in Surprise
Help your pet live a longer, healthier life while preventing the local shelter overpopulation problem.
Call Animal Medical Center of Surprise at (623) 295-1811 to schedule a preliminary exam and discuss the best spay plan for your pet.
