Whether you are adopting or welcoming your new furry friend into the family, spaying and neutering may be one of the first major procedures they will experience at the vet. Both of these routine surgeries can be performed on cats and dogs. The process includes sterilization, otherwise known as the removal of the reproductive organs. For many pet owners, spaying or neutering is chosen to protect their pet’s health and safety. Not only will your pet not be able to reproduce, but spaying and neutering can have potential health benefits for them as well.
At the most basic level, the difference between spaying and neutering your pet refers to their gender. The term spaying is used for female pets, and neutering is used for males. Depending on your vet, the typical surgery takes between 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish. After the procedure is complete, your pup or kitty will be required to wear a cone around their head to avoid licking their wound.
We receive many questions about spaying and neutering as it’s the most customary procedure for pet owners. If you don’t see your answer below, please give us a call at 888-820-7739.
When Should I Get My Pet Spayed or Neutered?
For dogs, the recommended period to have them spayed or neutered is six to nine months; however, if they’re healthy, they may be able to undergo surgery as young as eight weeks. Unlike dogs, it’s widely considered that all cats can be neutered or spayed by eight weeks.
Vets recommend spaying and neutering pets at a particular age because those who undergo the procedure too early, have an increased chance of developing behavioral issues such as phobias or fear aggression. On the contrary, spaying and neutering pets too late could potentially deprive them of the necessary hormones for their maturation. This can negatively impact many vital bodily processes, including skeletal growth.
What Are the Benefits of Spaying or Neutering?
The main benefit of the procedure deals with reproduction. If your pet is unable to reproduce, you won’t have to worry about caring for a litter of puppies or kittens, as cute as it might sound.
The benefits of spaying or neutering your pet differ with their gender. Female pets can live a healthier and longer life because spaying prevents infections and breast tumors, which can be fatal. Spaying also avoids heat, which is when females begin to menstruate. They may wander from their home, urinate inside the house, and howl more often. Heat occurs 4 to 5 days every month without spaying. Neutering your male will drastically decrease their risk of developing testicular cancer and prostate issues. Your male pet will also avoid mounting other animals because of the decrease in testosterone. Depending on your breed, some males tend to be less aggressive when they are neutered.
How Long Does It Take to Heal After Spaying or Neutering?
The typical recovery period after spaying or neutering your pet is around 14 days. After two weeks, their stitches should be healed, and they will be able to participate in more activities such as running and jumping.
How Much Does Prudent Pet Reimburse for Spaying and Neutering?
Our High Wellness coverage add-on reimburses you up to $60 towards your spaying or neutering procedure. This add-on includes 10 additional benefits to any policy you choose. Our High wellness coverage can be added to any policy you purchase.
Are Spaying and Neutering Included in the Accident & Illness Plan?
Unfortunately, our Accident & Illness Plan does not include coverage for spaying or neutering procedures. However, you can get some coverage for the procedure by purchasing our High or Medium Wellness coverage, which totals to $460 in annual benefits.
Does Prudent Pet Pay for Your Procedure Up-Front?
We work directly with the policyholder in all aspects to ensure they understand the reimbursement period. The policyholder would pay the full bill at the vet’s office and submit the receipt to Prudent Pet for reimbursement. Prudent Pet has one of the quickest reimbursement periods of any other pet insurance provider in the nation. After your claim is submitted, you will receive a check within 7 to 10 days.
Can You Use This Coverage at Any Vet?
Yes, you can use Prudent Pet’s coverage at any licensed veterinarian of your choosing or a spaying and neutering clinic. Just be sure to receive an invoice to submit for reimbursement.
How to Get Coverage for Spaying and Neutering
At Prudent Pet, we understand vet bills can start piling up. If you are interested in finding a low cost of spaying and neutering, Prudent Pet offers policies that can cover some of the procedure. Enrolling your puppy or kitten in pet insurance is a smart decision that will affect them for the rest of their life. Want to take the next step to get insurance to cover spaying and neutering? Choose High or Medium Wellness coverage after you enroll in either an Accident & Illness or Accident-Only policy.
Join the Prudent Pet family today and call 888-820-7739 for your pet’s free quote.
