General Health Information
Spay and Neuter Recommendations
We recommend that all pets not intentionally destined for a breeding program be spayed or neutered at about 6 months of age. As soon as your new pet first arrives in your home it is the time to start discussing this among family members. Older female dogs and cats that were not spayed prior to their first estrus (heat) cycle are more predisposed to develop breast cancer. Uterine infections, which can potentially be fatal, can also develop in older unspayed dogs and cats. Neutering males helps prevent medical problems such as prostate gland enlargement and curtails behavioral problems such as urine marking.
Microchips for Pet Identification
Consider having your pet microchipped, preferably during it's spay or neuter procedure, to provide an additional means of identification should they ever become lost or escape from your home. This small chip is placed by injection under the skin and can be scanned by SPCAs, veterinarians, and rescues and tracked back to you so your pet can be safely returned. Although this is not a GPS tracker, once your pet is found, even if the collar is missing, it can be identified. Our office also scans for a microchip in all strays brought in by potential new owners to be certain an existing owner is not already out there looking for their pet. Microchips are well worth the additional peace of mind they provide.