Your Spay/Neuter and Winter Pet Health Questions, Answered
Dr. Schettino’s Answers to Spay/Neuter and Winter Pet Health Questions from Yesterday’s Twitter Chat
Thank you to all who participated in and submitted questions to yesterday’s World Spay Day twitter chat with the Dr. Edward Schettino.
In case you missed it, you can see a transcript of the conversation below.
Introduction: @ARLBostonRescue: Welcome to the #ARLAskaVet twitter chat! @ARLDrS will take your Qs re: #spayneuter and winter pet health now!
Q: How old does my puppy need to be before she can be spayed? #arlaskavet
A: Dogs can be spayed and neutered as early as 12 weeks. Checking with your vet for the optimal age is best. #arlaskavet
A: Dogs can be spayed and neutered as early as 12 weeks. Checking with your vet for the optimal age is best. #arlaskavet
Q: What would you say are the most common reasons people do not spay or neuter their pets? #arlaskavet
A: Great question: People want to have puppies or kittens from their pet, people want their family to witness the birth.
A: It is too expensive, they think their pet will “feel” less male or female; they don’t want their pet to get fat #arlaskavet
A: It is too expensive, they think their pet will “feel” less male or female; they don’t want their pet to get fat #arlaskavet
Q: Are there non-surgical options for spay or neuter? Do you ever recommend them? #arlaskavet
A: Yes for male dogs, but it is a new procedure and it is not for everyone or every dog. #arlaskavet
A: Yes for male dogs, but it is a new procedure and it is not for everyone or every dog. #arlaskavet
Q: @aaaltobelli: How long does the spay/neuter surgery take? @ARLDrS @ARLBoston
A: Neuters typically take 10-20 mins and spays 20-40 mins for the average veterinary #arlaskavet
A: Neuters typically take 10-20 mins and spays 20-40 mins for the average veterinary #arlaskavet
Q: @pawspluspals: How risky is spay/neuter surgery for animals? #arlaskavet
A: Every surgery has a risk, however it is very minimal. Best to ask your vet about your individual pet #arlaskavet
A: Every surgery has a risk, however it is very minimal. Best to ask your vet about your individual pet #arlaskavet
Q: @ubergirl4: What are some of the health benefits of spaying or neutering your pet? #arlaskavet
A: Male dogs that are neutered, their risk of testicular cancer is eliminated. Risk of mammary gland cancer is severally reduced 4 spayed pets before their first heat cycle #arlaskavet
A: Male dogs that are neutered, their risk of testicular cancer is eliminated. Risk of mammary gland cancer is severally reduced 4 spayed pets before their first heat cycle #arlaskavet
Q: My dog doesn’t like them, but is it better for him to wear booties with all salt on the ground? #arlaskavet
A: Some dogs won’t walk w booties, if your dog is 100% against them just wash their feet before coming inside #arlaskavet
A: Some dogs won’t walk w booties, if your dog is 100% against them just wash their feet before coming inside #arlaskavet
Q: @TinyTobyTweets: Can rabbits and guinea pigs be spayed/neutered as well? #ARLAskaVet
A: Great question! Yes to all!!! Female rabbits 100% should be spayed to prevent ovarian cancer #arlaskavet
A: Great question! Yes to all!!! Female rabbits 100% should be spayed to prevent ovarian cancer #arlaskavet
Q: Should I be concerned my cat’s weight or personality will change after he is neutered? #arlaskavet
A: No – cats gain weight because they eat too much and exercise too little.. just like us! #arlaskavet
A: No – cats gain weight because they eat too much and exercise too little.. just like us! #arlaskavet
Q: Can dogs and cats get frostbite? #arlaskavet
A: Yes, especially on their ears and paws. Just limit the amount of time outside on those very cold days (like today) #arlaskavet
A: Yes, especially on their ears and paws. Just limit the amount of time outside on those very cold days (like today) #arlaskavet
Q: It’s shedding season for my cat! What do you recommend to prevent hairballs? He hates brushing. #arlaskavet
A: Brushing is best! However, it can take some time 4 your cat 2 get used 2 this, go slow & respect their time limits #arlaskavet
A: Brushing is best! However, it can take some time 4 your cat 2 get used 2 this, go slow & respect their time limits #arlaskavet
Q: @leebren9: Are there additional risks in spaying an 8yr dog? #ARLAskaVet #SpayNeuter
A: Risks increase as your pet gets older it’s never 2 late 2 spay your dog, benefits outweigh the risks. #arlaskavet
A: Risks increase as your pet gets older it’s never 2 late 2 spay your dog, benefits outweigh the risks. #arlaskavet
Q: @amibowen723: Where can pet owners find out about affordable spay/neuter options in MA? #ARLAskaVet
A: Check out: https://www.arlboston.org/services/spay-waggin/ and http://massanimalcoalition.com/resources/spay-neuter/ … #arlaskavet
A: Check out: https://www.arlboston.org/services/spay-waggin/ and http://massanimalcoalition.com/resources/spay-neuter/ … #arlaskavet
Q: @aaaltobelli: Can you spay a dog in heat? #ARLAskAvet
A: Yes you can spay a dog in heat, although it is best to wait until their heat cycle is over #arlaskavet @aaaltobelli
A: Yes you can spay a dog in heat, although it is best to wait until their heat cycle is over #arlaskavet @aaaltobelli
Q: Will a coat keep my dog warmer in the winter? Is it necessary? #arlaskavet
A: Yes it can but it is not necessary. Depending on your dog it can help although not all dogs are fans #arlaskavet
A: Yes it can but it is not necessary. Depending on your dog it can help although not all dogs are fans #arlaskavet
Q: Will my dog/cat be in a lot of pain from their spay/neuter surgery? #arlaskavet
A: It depends on your pet, most pets recover within 12-24 hours. The problem is keeping them rested! #arlaskavet
A: It depends on your pet, most pets recover within 12-24 hours. The problem is keeping them rested! #arlaskavet
Q: On average, how long does it take a dog or cat to recover from spay/neuter surgery? #arlaskavet
A: Routine dental care is best. Talk to your vet, if you don’t brush regularly it may be time for a cleaning! #arlaskavet
A: Routine dental care is best. Talk to your vet, if you don’t brush regularly it may be time for a cleaning! #arlaskavet
Q: Can a dog or cat be spayed or neutered after they’ve had a litter? #arlaskavet
A: Yes .. it is never too late to spay or neuter your pet!! #arlaskavet
A: Yes .. it is never too late to spay or neuter your pet!! #arlaskavet
Q: @AmandaLarosee: Will a male neutered cat still spray? #ARLAskaVet
A: It is best 2 neuter your cat before they start 2 prevent this behavior. If they started- neutering will help #arlaskavet
A: It is best 2 neuter your cat before they start 2 prevent this behavior. If they started- neutering will help #arlaskavet