Spaying and Neutering
In addition to helping with overpopulation, spaying or neutering your pet reduces their risk of developing tumours or infections in their reproductive organs. Certain undesirable behaviours are also less prevalent after the removal of the reproductive organs, such as territorial marking, aggressiveness and roaming during a heat cycle. For these reasons, choosing to spay or neuter your pet is an important personal decision to make for the well-being of your companion.
What happens when my pet is spayed or neutered?
Since males and females have anatomical differences, the procedure is not the same for both. In males, neutering means castration. The testicles are removed, and the scrotum remains intact. In females, the procedure is an ovariohysterectomy (OHE). This entails the complete removal of the ovaries and uterus. These operations are done under general anesthesia.
At what age should my pet be spayed or neutered?
We suggest that your pet be spayed or neutered before reaching sexual maturity. However, your pet could also be spayed or neutered when they are a little older, just as long as they are physically strong enough to handle anesthesia.
For cats, spaying or neutering usually takes place between four to six months old. For dogs, the most recent studies have shown that it is preferable to base the timing on the size and breed to avoid interfering with the animal’s growth. Small dog breeds are spayed and neutered earlier than larger breeds. Your veterinarian will know when the best time would be to perform this surgical procedure.
What should I expect in terms of my pet’s recovery?
Since spaying/neutering is done under general anesthesia, your pet will have a short postoperative stay at our veterinarian hospital. This allows us to closely monitor any changes to their health. Recovery at home usually takes from 7 to 14 days. It is important to make sure that your pet does not lick their wound and that they get plenty of rest. If necessary, the stitches will be removed after a few days. You are always welcome to contact us if you have questions or concerns about your pet’s recovery.