In Heat/Pregnant FAQs
Q. Should female animals be spayed prior to their first heat cycle?Yes. Spaying prior to their first heat cycle greatly reduces the risk for mammary cancer.
Q. When do animals first go into heat?
Cats typically go into heat around 6 months of age, but it can be earlier.
Small breed dogs can be 6 months. Larger breed dogs are on average between 6-12 months of age.
Q. What are the signs my cat/dog is in heat?
Your cat will be more affectionate! She meow and yowl like crazy! When you're petting her, she may raise her hind end in the air, get low to the ground and purr like crazy. She will also lift her tail and spray urine on vertical surfaces.
For dogs, the vulva swells and there will be a bloody vaginal discharge.
Q. How long do heat cycles last?
Cat heat cycles typically last 7 days. Dog heat cycles typically last 9 days.
Q. How often will my cat or dog go into heat?
Cats can go into heat as often as every 2-3 weeks. Dogs typically go into heat twice a year, every 6-8 months.
Q. Can animals be spayed during a heat cycle?
Cats can be spayed during a heat cycle. There will be an extra charge for dogs that are spayed during a heat cycle.
Q. Should I let my pet have one litter before being spayed?
No. Female animals that are spayed prior to their first heat cycle have less risk of developing mammary cancer.
Q. Should I let my pet have a litter so my children can witness the miracle of birth?
NO! Letting your pet have offspring (in which you have no intentions of keeping) teaches your children irresponsibility. Shelters are overflowing with cats, dogs, kittens, and puppies. Please do not add to this problem.
Q. Can an animal be spayed if it is pregnant?
Yes. The sooner that you bring them in, the better. There is an extra charge.
Q. Can animals become pregnant during their heat cycle?
Yes.
Q. How long does a pregnancy last?
A cat's gestation period is average 65 days. A dog's gestation period is average 65 days.
Q. How long after having a litter of puppies/kittens can an animal be spayed.
10 weeks. Puppies and kittens should be 8 weeks of age and must be eating and drinking on their own prior to their mother's surgery. Be sure that lactating animals do not nurse for at least two weeks before the scheduled surgery date.