NORTHGATE ANIMAL HOSPITAL
1600 Hamill Road Hixson, Tennessee 37343
Telephone 423-875-9033 FAX 423-875-9064
Serving the Chattanooga Pet Community
Northgate Animal Hospital of Hixson Tennesee Chattanooga Veterinarians Pet Vaccinations Spay & Neuter Services Laser Veterinary Surgery for Animals Pet Boarding for Dogs & Cats
HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday - Friday
7:30 am - 5:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday
Closed
DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS
Monday - Friday
8:30 am - 12:15 pm
and
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Closed Holidays Observed
by the Hospital
For After Hours Emergencies
please call the doctor's answering
service at (423) 875-9033 or
for Immediate Emergencies
contact R.I.V.E.R at
(423) 698-4612
Female dogs generally go through an estrus or heat cycle every six months. This is accompanied by a proestrus or bleeding cycle prior
to her true heat cycle in which she is very receptive to the advances of male dogs. This heat cycle may last for several days or up to
three or four weeks. Often female dogs will experience some personality changes during heat cycles such as becoming short-tempered
or anxious.
Female cats come into heat cycles every three to four weeks during certain times of the year. Many female cats will become nervous
during these heat cycles and exhibit unusual behaviors such as rolling on the floor, furtively hiding, or wanting constant attention. Female
cats often become quite vocal, too, meowing plaintively through their cycle. Surgical neutering of female dogs and cats called
ovariohysterectomy, completely eliminates all heat cycles and the accompanying unwanted bleeding cycle, nervousness, and desire to
mate. Neutering your female dog or cat will also protect your pet from uterine infections and other diseases as well as difficult or
dangerous pregnancies. Studies show that by neutering your female dog or cat before her first heat cycle, you can greatly reduce her
chances of developing mammary cancer later in life. The surgery includes the removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus.
In addition, male cats are well-known to mark their territories by spraying odorous urine on furniture, walls, shrubs, etc. Male dogs are
sometimes equally anxious to mark their territories. Surgical neutering of male dogs and cats, called orchiectomy, eliminates any
reproductive behavior and reduces urine odor and the desire to spray. Your male dog or cat will continue to have his own unique
personality. He will be less likely to roam and enjoy staying at home more. The surgery removes the testicles. We'll help you decide
when is the best time to spay or neuter your pet, and discuss any concerns or questions you may have about this surgery.
Your pet is a companion, a friend, and in a real sense a member of your family. In order to reduce the number of animals ending up
in shelters or being euthanized, we encourage you to discuss spaying or neutering your pet with your veterinarian. Together you can
work as a team to help reduce the number of unwanted and abandoned animals. Both male and female dogs and cats are mature
enough to reproduce between the ages of six to nine months.
Laser Spay & Neuter Services
ORDER YOUR PET’S
PRESCRPTIONS
ONLINE AT
VETCOVE!