If you've recently brought home a new dog or cat that isn't yet spayed or neutered, this is a procedure you'll want to consider having done with a trusted veterinarian in the very near future. Specifically, spaying or neutering a pet prevents him or her from being able to reproduce, thus cutting down on unwanted litters and doing your part to control the pet population.

If you've never had a pet spayed or neutered before, there are a few things you should know about this surgical procedure.

Spay/Neuter Has Health Benefits for Your Pet

Aside from preventing unwanted litters, spaying or neutering your pet also offers a number of significant health benefits. For starters, removing parts of your pet's reproductive system (such as the ovaries in females and the testicles in males) will reduce your pet's chances of developing a number of reproductive cancers later in life. Your spayed female pet will also never have to go through the physical pain and burden of carrying and delivering a litter, which can wreak havoc on the body.

Different Vets May Have Different Policies

If you've recently brought home a puppy or kitten, keep in mind that some vets can vary in regards to when they recommend spay or neuter procedures to take place. Some vets, for example, may recommend it at a certain age, whereas others may want to ensure that your pet has reached a certain weight or other developmental milestones before proceeding.

Your Pet Should Be Ready to Come Home Same-Day

As far as veterinary surgeries go, spay and neuter procedures are by far the most routine. In fact, as long as there are no complications, your pet should be able to return home just a couple of hours after the surgery is complete.

A Cone May Be Needed to Protect the Incision Site

One of the most common causes of post-surgical complications occurs when a pet chews or scratches as the incision site, so you'll want to keep an eye out for this. If your pet does this, you may need to purchase a veterinary cone to place over your pet's head, which will prevent scratching, biting, and licking until healing is complete and the sutures have dissolved.

Now that you have a better idea of what to expect from a spay or neuter procedure with your pet, isn't it time to schedule your pet's surgery with a vet? Contact facilities like Pitts Veterinary Hospital PC if you have more questions.