As your pet becomes more mature, you may notice them start to show signs that they are “in heat.” Many pet parents notice their pet begin to hump objects and people, are more aggressive, and sometimes even start to spray furniture. All of these behaviours are eliminated with spay and neuter surgery. Spaying and neutering prevents your pet from having litters or fathering offspring. This helps reduce strays and overpopulation in shelters. At our hospital, we offer the procedures the traditional way and through laparoscopy. If you’re considering the procedure for your pet, please reach out to us to learn more.
What is spaying and neutering?
Spay is a surgical procedure performed on female pets. We make a small incision near the abdomen during the procedure to remove the uterus and ovaries. Neutering is done on male pets and we remove the testicles during this procedure.
What is spay/neuter surgery like for my pet?
The procedure is considered major surgery, so we take great precautions to ensure your pet’s safety. Before the surgery, we have a discussion with pet owners about their concerns or any questions they have. We test your pet’s blood to determine how well their liver and kidneys function as they metabolize anesthesia. Anesthesia is necessary to keep your pet comfortable and prevent them from feeling pain. We only move forward with surgery if our tests show they are a good candidate. We give your pet anesthesia mixed with oxygen during surgery and monitor their vital signs.
When should my pet be spayed or neutered?
We recommend that pets have the procedure before they are 6 months old (when they usually start the heat cycle). During heat, your pet will want to procreate, and most times, they develop undesirable behaviours. If your pet is older, they can still have the surgery if they are in good health. To schedule your pet’s spay or neuter surgery, reach out to us at 604-856-7707.
