Pets are part of the family, just like any human family member. Getting pets the medical care they deserve is essential, starting at day one when you bring them into 
your home and into your hearts.
Dr. Alec Martin, a Veterinarian at Neighborhood Pet Clinic in London outlines when pets should get fixed.
“Female cats get spayed at 6 months of age, female dogs 6 months as well and for males, cats get neutered typically it’s 6 months and same with small breed male dogs. However those larger male breeds, up to one year.”
There have been updates for timeline standards when it comes to getting a large breed male dog fixed. Dr. Martin explains this is because of recent research findings.
“It has been shown by leaving a large breed male dog intact, so un-neutered until they achieve the age of ten, eleven up to twelve months can reduce the risk of orthopedic conditions they may develop later in life.”
WATCH: Veterinarian Alec Martin on spaying and neutering benefits
Some orthopedic conditions that could be avoided are:
- Elbow and or hip dysplasia
- Cruciate ligament tears
- OCD of the shoulder
- Other joint troubles
Spaying has it’s health benefits as well, such as lowering the risk of mammary cancer, other hormonal diseases and of course unwanted pregnancy. This keeps population in control. Martin says the spring is prime time for breeding.
“The yowling usually starts right about now and the tom cats arrive on the scene and all the breeding takes place and the result is unwanted litters of thousands and thousands of kittens. I think it’s safe to say that in London the biggest overpopulation problem is with cats.”
Spaying and neutering family pets has long been the norm, but also proves to have many health and societal benefits that provide your pet with the best possible life.
