What is Spaying or Neutering?
Spaying/Neutering is a surgical procedure where the reproductive organs are removed from intact male and female dogs. Spaying and neutering can have many benefits for your dog and the animal population as a whole. The procedure is quick and most pets go home the same day of their procedure.
Spay/Neuter:
- We recommend spaying your intact female dog around 6-8 months of age, after all adult teeth have erupted.
- Smaller breed dogs may have a delay in teeth eruption until 7-8 months but they will also likely have a later heat cycle start.
- We recommend neutering your intact male dog around 6-8 months of age, except for certain large breed dogs.
- On your next puppy wellness we can discuss when is the ideal time to spay/neuter your puppy based on their breed and size.
- A preoperative exam and bloodwork is recommended before scheduling their procedure.
Why should I have my female dog spayed?
- Several advantages: lack of heat and bleeding in the house, prevention of unplanned litters and a decreased risk of breast cancer and uterine infections (pyometra)
- It is recommended she be spayed before her first heat cycle or around 6-8 months of age depending on the breed.
Why should I have my male dog neutered?
- Several advantages: less likely to have roaming behavior, decreased risk of urine marking in the house, decreased risk of enlarged prostate (an enlarged prostate can cause difficulty urinating or defecating)
- It is recommended to neuter your dog as early as 6 months of age depending on the breed.
- In some cases, large breeds benefit from neutering at a later age (after 1 year). On your next puppy wellness we can discuss what is ideal for your pet.