Why choose spay and neuter services in Lakewood

Posted by

Spay and Neuter Services in Lakewood area
When people bring their pets to Bloomfield Animal Hospital in Lakewood, CA, they are most often seeking treatment to prevent or treat illness and injury. However, services to prevent breeding are equally important. Many of our clients question the need to spay or neuter their pets, and sometimes they even worry about the safety of these procedures. Here, we explain what they involve, and how they benefit you, your animals, and the community in general.

What are spay and neuter procedures

These are surgical procedures, which can be performed on cats or dogs. The difference between the two is the gender of the animal:
  • Females – Spaying involves removing the animal’s ovaries and uterus. This prevents a cat or dog from becoming pregnant. Once spayed, she will no longer go through heat cycles.
  • Males – Neutering involves removing the animal’s testicles, along with related structures; A neutered animal cannot reproduce.

Safety considerations

We hear a lot of concerns about these procedures, some of which are rooted in myths. Many people believe that sterilized animals become obese. In reality, there is no connection. Like humans, animals gain weight because of inadequate exercise and poor diets. Another common belief is that females need to have at least one litter for health reasons, but the opposite is true. In order to maximize health benefits, she should be spayed before her first heat cycle. As for the risks of surgery, these procedures are generally safe when performed properly. If you are in or near Lakewood, you can feel confident bringing your pet to Bloomfield Animal Hospital. However, if you are looking for an animal hospital in another area, please choose carefully. We are proud to be AAHA accredited, and we embrace their strict surgical protocol, so our clients know that their furry friends are in good hands.

Benefits of spaying and neutering

Benefits of spaying and neutering in Lakewood area The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and most veterinarians including Dr. Jose Arambulo highly recommend spaying and neutering. A few of the many reasons include:
  • Help your pet live a longer, healthier life. A neutered male will not get testicular cancer, and he has a lower risk of prostate cancer. Spayed females live longer, and they are less likely to get breast tumors or uterine infections.
    • Be a responsible pet parent. According to the American Society
  • for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), more than six million animals enter shelters every year in the United States. Only half of them find forever homes, and more that twenty percent are euthanized. Every intact (not spayed or neutered) pet risks adding to the already tragic over abundance of companion animals.
  • Prevent common behavioral problems. Cats in heat tend to meow incessantly and urinate outside the litterbox. Unneutered males may urinate to mark territory, exhibit aggressive behavior, and roam in search of a female. Spaying or neutering early may stop these problems before they develop. Altering an adult may improve breeding-related behaviors, though benefits are less likely once bad habits have formed.
  • Avoid inconvenience and the risk of an accidental litter. Some people try to prevent breeding by keeping males separate from females in heat. However, that approach isn’t foolproof, because all it takes is an open gate, or a pet who is talented at escaping.
  • Save money. Spaying and neutering are very affordable procedures, and in the long-term they are often much more economical than the alternative. Basic food, bedding, and medical care for a single litter easily exceeds the cost of spaying.

Call Us Today
New Patients: (562) 383-7788 | Existing Patients: (562) 402-9717
Or
Book an Appointment
If you are wondering when to spay or neuter, the answer is probably now. These procedures can be performed on healthy kittens or puppies as young as sixteen weeks old. There is not an upper age limit as long as the animal is still healthy enough for surgery. If you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at (562) 383-7788 .
Image of Dr Josh Arambulo
Bloomfield Animal Hospital is a trusted name in pets’ preventive, medical, surgical, and emergency care in Lakewood, CA. With a 30-year history as a family-owned pet clinic, it’s reputed for providing modern services in a warm, friendly environment. It’s one of the few veterinary hospitals to be AAHA-accredited.

Dr. Jose Arambulo, owner and chief veterinarian is experienced in treating eye, ear, and skin disorders and is especially interested in internal medicine, dentistry and soft tissue surgery. The hospital also utilizes the services of board-certified veterinarians, Dr. Ann Reed – Radiologist, and Dr. Fred Brewer – Cardiologist.