Keeping the Cat & Dog Population Healthy & Protected
Neutering is a surgical procedure where the testicles are removed from male pets. Spaying removes a female pet's reproductive organs. These surgeries prevent your male cat or dog from fathering offspring or your female cat or dog from becoming pregnant.
Having your dog or cat spayed or neutered not only prevents unwanted pregnancies, but it also protects their health, and can make them more manageable. Pets who are spayed or neutered are less likely to develop certain cancers, and they may even prevent them from displaying bad behaviours.
Our veterinarian highly recommends that each one of our patients be spayed or neutered. These surgeries help contribute to overall good health and well-being for dogs and cats, while also helping to reduce the population of homeless dogs and cats in animal shelters.
While it's important to understand that all surgeries performed under general anesthesia come with risks, spaying and neutering are considered to be safe for the large majority of dogs and cats.
The Reality of Animal Shelters in Canada
The Canadian Humane Society and SPCA take in thousands of cats and dogs every year. This number does not include those taken in by private rescue agencies across the country.
For many people, one of the primary benefits of spaying and neutering is reducing the number of unwanted dogs and cats filling Canadian shelters.
When to Spay or Neuter Your Cat or Dog
No one understands your furry friend's health better than your veterinarian. Although we provide general spay and neuter age guidelines below, it is always best to consult your veterinarian.
Cats: We recommend spaying or neutering cats at six months of age. This allows them to get to their relative adult size and make sure they can safely metabolize anesthetic agents. While we do recommend getting your cat spayed or neutered as soon as possible, a healthy adult cat can be spayed or neutered at any age.
Dogs: We recommend that puppies get spayed or neutered at around six months of age. Some veterinarians have concluded that for some breeds, it is better to wait until the dog reaches sexual maturity before performing these reproductive surgeries. Speak to your veterinarian to determine the best time to have your dog spayed or neutered.
FAQs About Spaying & Neutering
Are you considering having your pet spayed or neutered, but still have questions? To learn more about spaying and neutering read through the answers to our list of frequently asked questions below.
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What are the benefits of spaying and neutering pets?
Cats: Neutering your male cat can help to curb problematic behaviours such as spraying, roaming, and aggression toward other cats. Spaying your female cat may help prevent your kitty from yowling, urinating inappropriately, and making repeated attempts at escaping your home.
Dogs: Neutering your male dog may help to curb behaviours such as aggression towards other dogs, 'humping', and the desire to escape your home or yard. Having your female dog spayed ends their heat cycle and helps prevent pyometra (womb infection) and mammary tumours. -
How long will it take for my dog or cat to recover from surgery?
Spay and neuter procedures are day surgeries. This means that you will drop your dog or cat off at the veterinarian in the morning, and then pick them up once they have sufficiently recovered and are ready to head home. In some rare cases, it may be necessary to keep a pet overnight following spay and neuter surgeries.
When you come to our hospital to pick up your companion following surgery, we will be sure to provide you with detailed instructions for at-home care.
Your pet's activity will need to be restricted for approximately 10 days, and a protective collar may need to be worn by your pet to prevent them from licking the incision.
Your veterinarian may also request that you bring your dog or cat in for a follow-up appointment.
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Will my dog or cat feel anything during the procedure?
No, your pet will feel no pain during their procedure. They will be given general anesthesia and pain management medication throughout.
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Will my pet gain weight after the procedure?
Your puppy or kitten will continue to grow to their full adult weight after the spay or neuter procedure, and this naturally includes some weight gain. However, your dog or cat will not gain weight as a direct result of being spayed or neutered.
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How much will it cost to get my cat or dog spayed or neutered?
The cost of your dog or cat's spay or neuter surgery depends on a wide variety of factors, including their size and overall health. To get an accurate estimate of the cost of your pet's spay or neuter procedure, contact Animals First Clinic today.