Spaying and neutering are two of the most effective ways to protect your pet’s health and well-being.
Unfortunately, myths and misinformation still lead many pet parents to delay or avoid these important animal
surgery procedures.
At Newport Mesa Animal Hospital, we believe knowledge is the key to compassionate care. Below, we debunk the
most common myths about neutering & spay services that may be putting your pet’s long-term health at risk.
8 Most Common Misconceptions About Neuter & Spay Services
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- Spay & Neuter Services Will Make Your Pet Gain Weight
- Your Pet Should Go Through One Heat Cycle or Litter First
- It’s Too Risky to Spay or Neuter Older Pets
- Neutering will Change Your Pet’s Personality
- Indoor Pets Don’t Need to Be Spayed or Neutered
- It’s Better to Wait Until Your Pet is Fully Grown
- Neuter & Spay Services are Too Expensive
- Your Furbaby is Too Small or Lightweight for Pet Surgery
Myth #1: Spay & Neuter Services Will Make My Pet Gain Weight
The Truth? Weight gain is more closely related to overfeeding and lack of exercise than to spay or neuter services.
While metabolism may slow slightly after animal surgery, healthy pets stay fit with the right diet and routine activity. Your vet can help you adjust portion sizes or recommend a weight management formula if needed.
Myth #2: My Pet Should Go Through One Heat Cycle or Litter First
The Truth? There is no medical benefit to allowing your pet to go through a heat cycle or have a litter before getting them spayed or neutered.
In fact, early spaying (before the first heat) reduces the risk of mammary tumors in female dogs and cats significantly. It also prevents unwanted pregnancies and related complications.
Myth #3: It’s Too Risky to Spay or Neuter Older Pets
The Truth? Age alone doesn’t disqualify your furbaby from pet surgery.
We perform comprehensive vet exams and pre-anesthetic screenings to evaluate organ function and anesthesia tolerance. This maximizes the safety of the procedure, even for senior pets.
Myth #4: Neutering Will Change My Pet’s Personality
The Truth? Neutering won’t affect your pet’s core personality or affectionate nature.
It may, however, reduce hormone-driven behaviors like marking, roaming, & aggression. In addition to improving quality of life at home, this will make it easier to manage your pet.
Myth #5: Indoor Pets Don’t Need to Be Spayed or Neutered
The Truth? Even indoor pets benefit from neuter and spay services.
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- Unspayed females are still at risk of uterine infections and reproductive cancers.
- Unneutered males may still exhibit unwanted behaviors or develop testicular issues.
- Accidents also happen — doors get left open, pets escape — which leads to unplanned litters or health
Myth #6: It’s Better to Wait Until My Pet is Fully Grown
The Truth? While some large-breed dogs may benefit from delayed surgery for orthopedic reasons, most pets can safely be spayed or neutered around 5–6 months of age.
Delaying too long may increase the risk of behavioral issues or reproductive disease. Your veterinarian can help you determine the right timeline during your pet’s wellness exam.
Myth #7: Neuter & Spay Services are Too Expensive
The Truth? Preventive care (like spaying or neutering) helps minimize the risk of much higher costs down the road.
Treating infections, complications from birthing, or managing aggressive behaviors can become far more costly than the surgery itself. Spaying & neuter services are a long-term investment in your pet’s health and your peace of mind.
Myth #8: My Furbaby is Too Small or Lightweight for Pet Surgery
The Truth? Veterinary guidelines generally recommend that pets weigh at least 2 pounds before undergoing surgery.
If your pet is underweight or very small, our team can work with you to determine a safe timeline. With proper pre-surgical assessment, pet surgery can be safely performed on small-breed dogs, cats, and even tiny puppies & kittens.
How Do Vet Exams Empower You to Separate Fact from Fiction?
Your veterinarian is your best resource when making decisions about spay services, neuter services, and overallnpreventive care. A pet wellness exam ensures your pet is healthy enough for surgery and provides a personalized timeline based on breed, age, and medical history.
At Newport Mesa Animal Hospital, we use:
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- Thorough vet exams & diagnostics.
- Age- & breed-appropriate protocols.
- Safe, modern anesthesia techniques.
- Supportive post-op care to promote fast recovery.
Stay Informed to Keep Your Pet Protected
Don’t let myths delay the care your pet needs. By staying informed, you’ll be equipped to make better decisions for your pet’s long-term wellness.
And there’s no better way to stay informed than to schedule a wellness exam. To choose the best, safest path forward for your pet’s health and happiness, contact Newport Mesa Animal Hospital today.