Older Spay Increases Risk of Breast Cancer in Pets

Most people know that spaying a pet eliminates the risk of an unwanted pregnancy, but the benefits don’t end there. Perhaps just as important, spaying your pet at a younger age significantly reduces the risk of breast (mammary) cancer.

If your dog is never spayed, she has a 1 in 4 chance of developing a mammary tumor at some point in life.

Risk is Also Reduced in Cats

Getting your cat spayed before one year reduces the risk of mammary cancer by about 90%.

While half of mammary tumors in dogs are malignant (likely to be invasive or spread to other areas of the body), most (~85%) mammary tumors in cats are malignant.

When To Spay?

If you have a new puppy or kitten, talk to your veterinarian about the best time to spay. A “right” decision may not exist. Other factors, such as breed and environment, can influence spay timing. Instead, a “best” decision can be made with the help of your veterinarian.

Call any of the four Animal Care Clinic locations in Henderson and Boulder City to ask about our spay and neuter specials.