Neutering (altering) male dogs and cats

What is the procedure when my male dog or cat is neutered?

We typically recommend neutering when your pet reaches six months of age, although it can be done on younger and older pets. Male dogs and cats are normally sent home the same day. Usually the surgery is performed in the morning, then the pet is observed to make sure that he recovers normally from the anesthesia and surgery. Discharges are done in the late afternoon. Neutering is most often recommended for behavioral reasons, such as the problem of animals wanting to roam (wanderlust), or urine marking of furniture. There also are health benefits from neutering, such as the lessening of prostate disease in the older dog, and the decreased incidence of many serious cat diseases when a tom cat fights less after the operation.