Spaying or neutering a dog is a surgical procedure that is the removal of the reproductive organs. For a female dog, this procedure is referred to as “spaying,” which involves the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus. For a male dog, this procedure is referred to as “neutering,” which involves the surgical removal of both testicles. The spay or neuter procedure prevents the dog from conceiving or contributing to conceiving puppies.

It is important to neuter/spay your dog to help prevent future health issues and to help detour unwanted behaviours later in life. In female dogs, spaying can prevent your dog from going into heat, as well as help her live a longer life with fewer chances of having uterine infections and breast cancer, which can be fatal in 50% of dogs and 90% of cats. Neutering your male dog can help prevent your dog from wandering away from home to find a mate, as well as, aid in detouring the behaviour of marking their territory by spraying strong-smelling urine all over the house. Neutering and/or spaying your pet is the most cost-effective way of keeping your pet healthy and spending the money at the beginning to spay or neuter your pet can save you a lot of unnecessary expenses later in your pet’s life! Prevention is always better than a treatment plan!

It is recommended that dogs be neutered or spayed at approximately 6 months of age. For female dogs, this is preferably done before their first heat cycle. It is recommended that all pets be up to date with their vaccines prior to having any medical procedures done.

In order to spay or neuter your pet, we would start with a pre-operative examination with one of our veterinarians, before admitting the patient to the hospital for the procedure. At the time of the exam, or prior, we ask that the vaccination certificate is provided to ensure that the patient is up to date on the required core vaccinations. The procedure includes hospitalization, IV fluids, and anesthesia maintenance. We also include home care, which would consist of a custom care collar to prevent them from licking at their incision, and Metacam which is an oral anti-inflammatory, which helps relieve pain and discomfort. A follow up recheck examination is recommended to be done 1 week after the procedure to ensure that your pet has healed up nicely. A nail trim will also be done while every patient is under sedation.

For our female patients being spayed, we have them stay overnight following the procedure to allow them to stay on the IV fluids for 24-hours, as well as, to let our technicians and veterinary monitor their recovery. For our male patient, the procedure is less invasive, our veterinarians are comfortable with them going home the same day of the procedure, once they have recovered from the anesthetic.

Please do not hesitate to give us a call with any additional questions, or to have the appointment booked for the procedure. One of our customer care representatives will be able to provide you with a treatment plan and cost for the procedure once they acquire your pet’s details, including sex and approximate weight.