Does pet insurance cover spaying and neutering? Here’s everything you need to know about neutering, spaying, and pet insurance.
If you are thinking about spaying or neutering your dog or puppy, then this might be the best thing you can do for him or her. Getting your pet fixed can have tons of benefits, like lowering the chance of certain cancers, stopping bad behaviours, and helping control the pet population. By having your pet spayed or neutered, you can ensure they live a longer, healthier, and happier life.
Spaying and neutering are things many pet owners in South Africa don’t do.
There are several reasons why paw parents do not do this for their dogs; some of them include:
Pet parents think the procedure is too expensive.
Pet parents often think that their dog will not impregnate another dog (males) or fall pregnant (females).
Pet parents believe that there are no risks associated with not spaying or neutering their dogs and think it is cruel to do so.
The thing is, what many pet parents do not know is that spayed or neutered dogs can grow up healthier and happier, but we will get to that in a bit.
The first topic we will cover is pet insurance and sterilisation.
We chatted with the guys at Oneplan Pet Insurance to help answer this question, and here’s what they had to say:
I also found out that Oneplan pays you BEFORE you see the vet using their awesome Onecard. All you have to do is upload your claim on the Oneplan App and the funds will be transferred onto your Onecard in seconds to avoid massive vet bills.
The Onecard is used by swiping it, in the same manner as a debit card, at the vet’s office.
It’s that simple.
So, long story short, if you have pet cover with Oneplan, then depending on what plan you choose, they will help cover the costs ofspaying and neutering.
Which, in my opinion, is another great reason to have pet insurance.
Why neutering and spaying is good for your dog
If you have afemale puppy, it can reduce her risks of developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer.
It will also lessen her risk of uterine infection and the risks associated with an unplanned pregnancy.
If you have a male puppy, neutering can prevent testicular tumours, prostate issues, and reduce his risk of hernias and perennial tumours.
Why neutering and spaying is good for you
The most obvious benefit to you is that you will never have to deal with an unwanted litter.
The cost of feeding, vaccinating, and caring for puppies is thousands of rands and there are a ton of stray dogs out there in search of loving homes.
Even if your dog is purebred, many dog owners do not realise the amount of time, effort, hard work and expertise it takes to look after a litter of puppies.
Other benefits include:
● Males neutered as puppies are less aggressive and less likely to mark their territory
● Spayed females will stop stray males trying to get to your dog
Some concerns you may have about sterilisation
“I am worried about my dog having an operation.”
This is a common concern many paw parents have. And we get it, your fur baby is very important to you.
It is important to note that spaying or neutering is a common and routine procedure that your veterinarian has likely performed numerous times. They’ve got the know-how and expertise to make sure your pet’s surgery goes smoothly.
The medical benefits of these procedures far outweigh the risks.
“I am worried my dog will get fat.”
There is no medical reason for your dog to gain weight after sterilisation. Chat to your vet about any weight concerns you might have, and he or she can help you design a diet based on your dog’s activity levels and breed.
“Will my male dog’s personality change?”
Sure, it will change things a bit, but it’s all for the best! Neutering a male dog can make him less aggressive and less likely to wander off and mark his territory. It’ll also decrease the risk of certain cancers and other health issues. So, it’s a win-win situation for both you and your furry friend.
What does the procedure involve?
Your pet will have a general anaesthetic.
For male dogs, the operation will involve the removal of both the testicles and for females, the womb and ovaries will be removed or just the ovaries.
Your vet might ask you not to feed your dog or let him or her drink anything for 12 hours before the surgery.
Once your dog is back home, he or she will need a few days of rest. Do not let him or her jump on any high surfaces, run around, or bite at the surgery site. They will need some time to recover after the surgery. Also, make sure to keep your pup calm and quiet, and follow the veterinarian’s instructions regarding medication, feeding, and activity level. Keep an eye on the surgical site, and if you notice any signs of infection or complications, contact your vet immediately.
Chat with your vet about any other special care you need to keep in mind and make use of after the operation.
Remember to do the right thing and spay and or neuter your puppy as soon as he or she is old enough. If you have an older dog who is unspayed, then talk to your vet about when you can have your pet neutered or spayed.