Spay & Neuter

Spaying

Spaying is a common surgical procedure performed on female cats and dogs. The process is called an ovariohysterectomy and involves removing the patient’s uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, rendering the animal incapable of reproduction. We recommend spaying usually around 4-7 months of age for cats and dogs. Your veterinarian will work with you to help determine an appropriate age for your dog’s spay surgery considering the breed and ideally before the patient’s first heat cycle.

Benefits:

• Prevents unwanted pregnancies
• Eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine tumors
• Remove the possibility of uterine infections

What to expect after surgery

Spaying is a major surgery requiring a minimum
of 7 up to 14 days of recovery time. Recovery may also include pain medication
and exercise restriction for the first couple of days following the procedure.

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Neutering

Neutering is performed on male cats and dogs. This process castrates the animal, removing their testicles and making them unable to impregnate females. Neutering is advised when your pet is 4-6 months old, or when your veterinarian recommends the surgery.

Benefits

• Placates the animal, reducing aggressive behavior and decreasing dominant tendencies
• Reduces roaming and spraying (territory marking)
• Eliminates the risk of testicular and prostate tumors

What to expect after surgery

Although less invasive than spaying, neutering
is still a major medical procedure that requires some recovery time. Recovery
may also include pain medication and exercise restriction. It’s extremely
important that you monitor your pet to prevent the animal from licking or
biting the incision to reduce the risk of infection.