ចុចត្រង់នេះដើម្បីអានអត្ថបទជាភាសាខ្មែរ។.

Spaying and neutering are one of the most responsible things that loving cat and dog owners can do for their pets. As a first-time pet owner, you may have many questions about these procedures. But also experienced animal owners and carers may want to find out more about the benefits, risks, and what to do next. Here are the answers to the most common questions around spaying and neutering cats and dogs that pet parents have about the spay and neutering process.

What is spaying & neutering?

How does the procedure work?

The above-mentioned procedures are surgeries. Like all medical treatments, there is minimal risk involved. In order to minimize this, make sure to only let a trusted and professional veterinarian (animal doctor) treat your beloved pet. He or she will make sure that your cat or dog is healthy to undergo the procedure and will discuss the particular situation of your pet with you.

Both spaying and neutering are performed under general anesthetic. Depending on the age and size of the animal, the procedure itself is fairly quick. Keep in mind that your pet needs to be brought in before the surgery for a pre-check and usually will stay at the clinic for half a day after waking up to make sure your sweet girl or boy is fine.

Neutering a male cat can be done in under 2 minutes while neutering a male dog usually takes 5 – 20 minutes. A female cat spay is generally 15-20 minutes, while a female dog spay typically takes 20-90 minutes.

How do I treat my pet at home after a spay / neuter procedure?

Your vet may give you medications for your cat or dog to prevent inflammation and infections, as well as for instructions on how to treat your pet over the next days. Additionally, you should

• keep your cat / dog inside and away from other animals during the recovery period
• not let your cat / dog run around and jump on and off things for up to 2 weeks after surgery
• ensure that you cat / dog is not able to lick or bite their incision
• check the incision every day to make sure it’s healing properly. If redness, swelling, discharge or a foul odor are present, contact your vet immediately
• not bathe your cat / dog for at least 10 days after the surgery
• call the vet if the dog is uncomfortable, lethargic, eating less, vomiting or has diarrhea

After a few days, you will go back to the vet for a check-up and to remove the stitches, if necessary.

It is worthwhile saying that these numbers are estimated NOT at the maximum reproduction rate. Street animals often face difficulties like shortage of food and fights over territory, which prevents them from having the most offspring they could theoretically have. Besides, street animals and in particular babies don’t have a very high life expectancy.

7 Benefits of de-sexing

1. No more unwanted kittens and puppies.
2. This also reduces the number of cats and dogs, which are sold to the cruel and barbaric cat & dog meat trade.
3. Spaying & neutering also reduces the risk of testicular and uterine cancer, FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus), and more.
4. It drastically reduces the spread of a transmissible venereal tumor (TVT), which can is spread between dogs during mating.
5. De-sexed animals are calmer, less territorial, and won’t fight as much – this protects them from fight injuries (biting, scratching), especially among street animals.
6. It prevents inbreeding in places like pagodas and therefore reduces the risk of genetic disorders.
7. It reduces the risk of malnutrition of street animals, resulting from overpopulation and the lack of food.

Misconceptions about spaying & neutering

Several misconceptions about spaying and neutering cats and dogs persist:

• One of the most popular beliefs is that sterilized animals will get fat. This is not true, as long as the owner provides the proper amount of exercise and food for the beloved pet. Spayed and neutered cats and dogs do tend to need fewer calories (about 20% less), so make sure to check their diet, ideally with your vet.
• Another misconception is that spaying or neutering will change a cat’s or dog’s personality. This is also not true. If anything, as mentioned above, it will make them calmer and prevent unwanted behavior like marking the territory (your house).
• Some people also believe that you should wait with spaying your female cat or dog until she has had her first litter because of health benefits This is also NOT true.

So, now that we have covered the most important questions around spaying and neutering cats and dogs, let’s take a look at Animal Rescue Cambodia’s work in this area.