Spaying and Neutering

Shelters across North America are full at any given time. The leading cause of this is the overpopulation of dogs, many of which came from unwanted breeding and could not find homes. Not only that, but intact dogs are at an increased risk of medical and behavioural issues. Neutering/spaying your dog is the responsible decision to keep them healthy and ensure no new dogs will find themselves in a shelter.

What does neutering/spaying do to a dog?

Neutering is a procedure during which a male dog’s testicles are removed, while spaying involves removing the uterus and ovaries in a female. Removing these will significantly decrease the hormones that your dog produces, which in turn protects them from many health and behavioural issues.

Why is it important to neuter/spay my dog?

There are many advantages to neutering your pet:

Prevents Unwanted Puppies

• While having a litter of puppies may seem exciting, the reality is that it will require a lot of your time and attention. Pregnant and nursing females need special veterinary care and require a specific diet. The act of giving birth can result in a trip to the nearest emergency hospital for a life-saving C-section. You will then have to find homes for these puppies, and if you aren’t successful, they can find themselves in a shelter.

Helps Prevent Unwanted Behaviours

• A male dog can smell a female in heat from miles away and can be very determined to get to her. It can result in him escaping your yard to find her, which puts him at risk of becoming lost or injured.
• Intact male dogs can have problems with inappropriate urination and marking, aggression towards other male dogs, and unwanted sexual behaviours

Helps Prevent or Eliminate The Risk of Serious Health Complications

• Intact females are at increased risk of developing mammary cancer from the moment they have their first heat. Spaying eliminates the risk of uterine and ovarian cancers as well as pyometra, which is a life-threatening infection of the uterus that requires emergency surgery to remove the uterus.
• Intact males are at increased risk of prostate disease, and neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer.

How old should a dog be before they are neutered/spayed?

It will depend on the dog’s size and breed. The average age for spaying and neutering is 6 months, but for some larger breeds, we may recommend waiting a little longer. Our veterinarians will happily discuss this with you and give you their recommendations during your final vaccine booster appointment.

How much does it cost to neuter/spay a dog?

It will depend on the age and size of your dog. We prepare an estimate and confirm everything with the owner when the dog is dropped off for the day of the procedure. Should unexpected complications arise, we will always call the owner with an estimate of the extra cost before proceeding.