About Spaying & Neutering

What does spay or neuter mean?

“Spaying” and “neutering” are surgical procedures used to prevent animals from reproducing. They have many health and behavioural benefits to the animal beside preventing unwanted offspring.

The Benefits of spaying and neutering your pet

Studies show that spayed/neutered pets, on average, live longer.

Spaying and neutering will decrease aggressive behavior which would make your dog calmer, less frustrated and less likely to bite, attack or get into dog fights.

Spaying ends the heat cycle in females which would happen usually twice a year for dogs. Heat cycles result in many unwanted behavioural changes, including possible aggression.

Spaying and neutering lowers the chance of reproductive health problems including the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer and pyometra (life-threatening infection of the uterus).

Spaying reduces the risk of mammary cancer. Neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and lowers the risk of prostate problems in male dogs.

Spaying and neutering eliminates the drive to reproduce and also prevents accidental pregnancies. The likelihood of your male pet wandering away or escaping will be decreased.

During Spaying and neutering other important procedures may also be performed at the time of the operation such as an identification tattoo, microchip implant, teeth cleaning or hernia repair.

Spaying and neutering your pet help reduce overpopulation issues as it helps reduce the number of stray or unwanted animals in your community. Reducing the amount of stray animals helps prevent other pets and wildlife from being injured or killed.

Are there some risks to spaying and neutering?

Any surgical procedure carries some risks. However, the overall benefit outweighs the risk for most animals. Please talk to your veterinarian in case you have any questions or concerns.

When should my dog be fixed?

The usual recommendation is before six and a half months for dogs. Consult your veterinarian to determine the best time for your pet. Female dogs do not have to have a litter before being fixed.