Information for Pet Owners
Questions?
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info@akrvo.org
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Why spay or neuter your pet?
The biggest reason to have your pet spayed or neutered is to prevent unwanted litters.  This can reduce the overpopulation of unwanted village dogs, dog bites, and the spread of disease.  But there are also some added health and behavioral benefits:
  • Reduces the risk of some cancers, such as testicular cancer and breast cancer
  • Reduces or eliminates undesirable behaviors such as aggression, fighting, and roaming
  • Reduces the natural instinct to breed
  • Reduces the desire to mark territory by urinating (in dogs) and spraying (in cats).
  • Frequently results in a healtheir animal and longer lifespan.

Are there special instructions to prepare my pet for surgery?
  • Yes. You will be given pre-op instructions when your appointment is confirmed. 

Will my pet get fat?
  • The main reason pets get fat is from feeding too much, too often, and/or the wrong kind of food.
  • Spay-neutering at a young age, before sexual maturity, usually has no effect on weight.  Dogs who receive surgery after reaching sexual maturity may show an increasesd appetite and a more docile temperament, resulting in weight gain.  This is easily corrected by adjusting your dog's diet.

Will my dog stop being a good watch dog?
  • No, your dog will continue to be a caring and protective companion.

Shouldn't I let my female dog have at least one litter?
  • No. The sooner your pet is sterilized, the sooner it will benefit from the surgery.
  • There are so many litters of puppies that are destroyed because there are not enough homes for them.  Let's not add any more!  

Is spay-neuter surgery painful for my pet?
  • Your pet will be asleep during surgery and will receive generous pain management medication during and after surgery.  You will receive antibiotics and pain medication to take home as part of your pet's recovery and after-care.  

Are there special instructions on how to take care of my pet after surgery?
  • Yes. You will receive these when you check out.
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